[Rabies specific IgM- and IgG-antibody response in persons immunized with HDCS vaccine according to the Essen postexposure vaccination schedule (author's transl)].

A solid phase enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) was applied for the determination of rabies virus antibodies of the immunoglobulin classes G and M in sera of 10 young adults. Vaccinations were carried out with the Essen post-exposure vaccination schedule, which is recommended by the W.H.O., with the rabies HDCS vaccine with an antigen value of 1.9. From these results the rabies virus IgM/IgG-conversion was derived. Furthermore a comparison was carried out of results obtained with the ELISA, the mouse neutralization test, the complement fixation test and the hemagglutination inhibition test. Rabies virus-IgM-antibodies were detected already three days after the first vaccination. The IgM-antibody concentration increased to a maximum at the 22nd day p.v. In sera of seven of eight vaccinees rabies virus IgM-antibody was still detectable until the 90th day p.v. Rabies virus antibodies of the IgG-class were found in the serum of 1/7 vaccinees at the 7th day p.v. A steep increase of the rabies virus IgG-antibodies was observed from day 10 p.v. to a maximum between the 30th and 40th day p.v.. The titer values varied between 1:10-1:1600. The rabies virus IgM/IgG-conversion was observed after the 10th day p.v.. More than 75% of the total antirabies virus globulin fraction belonged to the IgG-class in sera of 6 of 9 vaccinees between the 22nd and 30th day of p.v.. A preponderance of the rabies virus IgM-antibodies was seen in 3 of 9 vaccinees until the 90th day p.v.. Most sensitive for the early detection of rabies virus antibodies was the IgM-ELISA followed by the IgG-ELISA, mouse-neutralization test, hemagglutination inhibition test and complement fixation test.