Comparison of serological tests for detection of Mycoplasma hominis antibodies in female Grivet monkeys with experimentally induced salpingitis.

Four serological tests, viz. indirect hemagglutination (IHA), metabolism inhibition (MI), immunofluorescence (IMF), and a modification of the growth-inhibition (GI) test have been compared for the detection of antibodies against Mycoplasma hominis in female grivet monkeys with experimentally induced pelvic inflammatory disease. Moreover, cold hemagglutinins (CHA), and immunoglobulins, M, G, and A have been determined. The IHA test was found to be superior to the other methods used. The antibodies were present in all inoculated monkeys two weeks after the inoculation and a maximum in titre occurred one week later. Antibodies detected by the modified GI test occurred in all monkeys inoculated with the organism together with the IHA antibodies, but the maximum in titre was less marked. The IMF test was less sensitive than the GI test; the antibodies generally occurred later and disappeared faster. Using the MI test, no antibodies could be detected in any of the monkeys during the experimental period and no CHA antibodies were found in any of the sera. IgM rose earlier and declined more rapidly than IgG. It is concluded that the IHA test is most suitable for the measurement of serum antibodies caused by infection with M. hominis in grivet monkeys. The modified GI test, although less sensitive, may also be useful because of its simplicity in performance.