Development of an immunoglobulin A-specific anti-Haemophilus influenzae antibody assay for detection of antibody in human mucosal secretions.

A micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for quantitation of immunoglobulin A-specific anti-Haemophilus influenzae antibody is described and characterized. It had a sensitivity of 27 ng/ml, which is appropriate to detect antibody levels in normal saliva. Specificity for H. influenzae was achieved with the H1H2 group of antigens. Absorption studies for a range of bacteria showed little cross-reactivity, with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Absorption studies involving various antigen preparations obtained from H. influenzae indicated that the H1H2 antigen group included significant amounts of surface antigen. An analysis of saliva from normal subjects and patients with chronic obstructive lung disease showed significant differences in levels of antibody, highlighting the potential value of the assay.