[Detection of anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies: comparison of 3 commercial methods].

A group of 188 sera from pregnant women was screened for cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies by immunofluorescence assay (IFA), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and passive latex agglutination (LA) tests. There were 178 (94.6%) sera for which there was complete agreement between the three tests. One hundred-sixty three sera were positive by two or more methods and judged to be true positives. Accordingly, the highest sensitivity was shown by the EIA and LA tests (100% in both cases). The sensitivity of IFA test was similar (97%). A ranking for technical demand, hands-on time, turnaround time, requirement for special equipment and objectivity sharply favoured the LA test.