Monoclonal antibodies against Mycobacterium avium/intracellulare.

Ten hybridoma cell lines prodacing monoclonaI antibodies (Mabs) against M. avium/intracellulare (Mai) serotype 8 were raised by the fusion of BALB/c mouse myeloma cells (SPZ) to spleen cells from immunized BALB/c mice. The specificity of the monoclonal antibodies was defined using their differing abilities to bind to sonicates from a range of mycobacterial species and strains. Tbe Mabs showed strain and species specificity. Three Mabs bound only to Mai serotype 8 and 1 Mab bound only to Mai serotypes 8 and 16, the only serotypes tested. The results indicate that Mabs specific for Mai species and serotypes can be produced. These could be useful for serodiagnostic and for epidemiological