Use of stable, sensitized cells in an indirect microhemagglutination test for melioidosis.

Two evaluations were carried out in this study. The first was a comparison of the standard tube test with the automated microtitration test for the detection of antibodies to Pseudomonas pseudomallei by the indirect hemagglutination method. Data from this comparison indicated that the tests were equivalent. The second evaluation consisted of reproducibility studies on two lots of pyruvic aldehyde-stabilized sensitized erythrocytes in comparison with freshly prepared sensitized erythrocytes in the automated microtitration test. The influence of different types of the microtitration plates used was also examined. Results indicated that the use of stabilized antigens is feasible, and these antigens offer the advantage of being ready for immediate use.