Rapid method for detection of Coxiella burnetii antibodies using high- density particle agglutination

Abstract

A high-density particle agglutination test, using erythrocyte- sensitizing substance from phase II Coxiella burnetii adsorbed to high- density composite particles, was developed fur rapid serodiagnosis of Q fever. The test was compared with the microimmunofluorescence test for sensitivity and specificity by using 3,036 human serum samples collected in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. An excellent agreement was found between the two tests fur the acute-phase group and paired serum samples, but some discordant results were observed in the single-sample group. The sensitivity and specificity of the high-density particle agglutination test were both 100% in the former group and 81.6 and 99.9%, respectively, in the latter group. The test is a very promising tool fur routine serodiagnosis of Q fever because of its simplicity, sensitivity, and specificity.