A solid-phase reverse immunosorbent test (SPRIST) for the demonstration of specific-mumps virus IgM-class antibody.

A solid-phase reverse ImmunoSorbent Test (SPRIST) was developed for the detection of mumps-specific IgM in serum samples. This technique involves antibody attachment to a solid-phase using anti-human IgM followed by the addition of hemagglutinin and erythrocytes. In a retrospective study on 40 sera, total agreement was obtained between SPRIST and hemagglutination-inhibition after density gradient centrifugation of sera. Neither rheumatoid factor nor heterophil antibody seemed to affect the reaction. This preliminary study was fully confirmed when 2438 sera were prospectively examined; 84 sera yielding positive results originated from patients with clinical symptoms of mumps. SPRIST might offer an interesting alternative to routine detection of recent mumps infections.