Fluorescent antibody methods in the detection and control of venereal diseases. A bibliographical review of the literature.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to bring together selected abstracts from the world literature on fluorescence methods in the diagnosis of venereal disease, to stress their value and importance, and also, with regard to syphilis, to indicate the rate of progress in various countries. GONORRHOEA U.S.A.The fluorescent antibody (FA) method for the detection of gonorrhoea was first described by Deacon, Peacock, Freeman, and Harris (1959). The results of their studies were: a speciesspecific antigen associated with freshly isolated, inagglutinable gonococcal cultures was recognized; the antigen appeared to possess characteristics similar to Vi antigens of Salmonella typhi or the K antigeng of the Escherichia group and is fully developed only in freshly isolated cultures of infectious exudates. Deacon, Peacock, Freeman, Harris, and Bunch (1960) (1) Gonococci are detected in asymptomatic promiscuous teenagers;(2) The delayed FA technique is capable of detecting the gonococcus, when the Gram-stain smear is negative;(3) The delayed FA technique gives results comparable to good culture methods; and (4) The vagina, cervix, urethra and anus should all be tested to determine the presence of the gonococcus. Pariser, Farmer, and Marino (1964)

Unusual behaviour of serological tests for syphilis in Ugandan Africans.

“…In syphilology today, the FTA-ABS test is the most sensitive test available (Mora, 1969). It becomes reactive early in primary syphilis (Deacon and others, 1966;Gamer and others, 1968;Lassus, and others, 1967;Sparling, 1971), and remains positive for many years in long-standing syphilis even after apparently adequate therapy (Atwood and others, 1968;Knox and others, 1966;Lassus, 1968;Rockwell, Yobs, and Moore 1964).…”

Method for Preparing Neisseria gonorrhoeae Fluorescent Antibody Conjugate

“…'HE direct-staining fluorescent antibody (FA) technique has proved useful as a laboratory aid in the identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or gonococcus (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)). An effective method for producing satisfactory fluorescein conjugated antiserums to this gonococcus (GC) has been found.…”