Detection of tetanus toxoid antibodies in human sera in New Zealand by ELISA

Abstract

SUMMARYAn enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) incorporating the sensitive biotin-streptavidin system was developed to detect IgG antibodies to tetanus toxoid in human serum. Serum samples obtained from 557 normal persons aged 1–65 years from different areas in New Zealand were tested. The proportion of those immune ranged from 60–93% in males, and from 46–86% in females. In the 1–9 years age group 85% were immune. The indirect ELISA is suitable for serological surveys as it is simple to perform, economical and reproducible.