[Study of humoral immunity in human biharziasis. Value of E.L.I.E.D.A. (enzyme-linked immunoelectrodiffusion assay)].

With a view to sensitize the immuno-electro-diffusion test (I.E.D.) and determine the immunoglobulins involved in the antigen-antibody reaction, the authors have improved the I.E.D. test by coupling it with an enzymatic technique. The precipitated immune-complexes are treated with antibodies conjugated with an enzyme specific for each class of immuno-globulins. This association realizes the E.L.I.E.D.A. (enzyme-linked immuno-electro-diffusion-assay). The sensitivity and specificity of the method are excellent, and should allow to follow the qualitative evolution of the bilharzian antibody in natural and experimental affections.