Detection of measles IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detectors of IgM antibodies in serum during acute or recent measles infections is described. False positive reactions due to rheumatoid factors (RF) were not observed in the test of human sera to which were added sera containing RF. Monospecific antisera against the haemagglutinin, nucleoprotein and polymerase of measles virus were used in a blocking IgM ELISA, revealing a sensitive method for the detection of the antibodies that take part in the immune reactions. An ELISA for the detection of measles-specific IgG in order to reveal IgM or IgG antibodies in the human sera is also described.