ELISA detection of specific functional antibodies in human serum to Escherichia coli, tetanus toxoid, and diphtheria-tetanus toxoids: normal values for IgG, IgA, and IgM.

An inexpensive, easily performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to measure specific IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies to the common antigens Escherichia coli, diphtheria-tetanus toxoid, and tetanus toxoid. Normal values were established. Classical antibody deficiency disease states were confirmed and delineated by these assays. Additionally, several instances were discovered when functional antibody levels were abnormal when the serum immunoglobulin levels were normal. The use of ELISA assays for antibodies to common antigens provides a useful technique to measure and monitor isotype responses of the humoral immune system.