Detection of antibodies against cell wall-associated antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (SIHV) by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

We have used the cell wall-associated proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (SIHV strain) as antigens in the serodiagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Sera from 19 relapsed and 46 newly diagnosed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and 21 healthy individuals were tested against the cell wall-associated proteins of M. tuberculosis (SIHV) by an ELISA technique. The results showed 92% and 100% positive titers in new and relapsed cases of tuberculosis, respectively. Control sera analyzed exhibited a negativity of 90%. Cell wall-associated proteins of M. tuberculosis were found to be useful in serodiagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in clear distinction from healthy subjects.