Detection of class-specific antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus antigens in various pulmonary diseases.

Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a radioimmunoassay (RAST), the specific IgA, IgG, IgM and IgE antibody levels against Aspergillus fumigatus antigens were determined in sera from patients with either chronic bronchitis or non-allergic bronchial asthma, allergic asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or aspergilloma. These levels were compared with those in serum samples from healthy controls. The results showed statistical differences in specific antibody levels between the five groups of patients. It was not possible, however, to reliably classify a subject in one of the studied pathological groups on the sole basis of the assays used.