The ELISA was used for detection of specific IgG antibodies to Micropolyspora faeni antigens in ! 58 farmers with a history of exposure to mouldy hay. eighty-eight of whom had a diagnosis of farmers" lung. The farmers" lung group had significantly higher values in the ELISA than both the seventy exposed but asymptomatic farmers {P< 0001) and a group of thirty-one adult controls (P < 0 001). The asymptomatic farmers also had significantly higher values than the control group (/*<0 02). The ELISA correlated better with the clinical diagnosis than the Ouchterlony agar-gcl double-diffusion (precipitin) test. None of the control group gave positive reactions in the ELISA or the precipitin tests. The ELISA is therefore a sensitive, specific and quantitative test which is readily available and widely applicable.Correspondence: DrS Bamtiad. DeparimcniorClinical Immunology. CardiolhoraciL-Insiiiuic. Brumpion Hospital. London SW3 6HP.
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