scholarly journals High Agreement Between an Ultrasensitive Clostridioides difficile Toxin Assay and a C. difficile Laboratory Algorithm Utilizing GDH-and-Toxin Enzyme Immunoassays and Cytotoxin Testing

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie L. Landry ◽  
Jeffrey E. Topal ◽  
Joel Estis ◽  
Phoebe Katzenbach ◽  
Niamh Nolan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
High Agreement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Automated Assay ◽  
Toxin Assay ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Testing Algorithm ◽  
Positive Agreement

ABSTRACT The Singulex Clarity C. diff toxins A/B (Clarity) assay is an automated, ultrasensitive immunoassay for the detection of Clostridioides difficile toxins in stool. In this study, the performance of the Clarity assay was compared to that of a multistep algorithm using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for detection of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and toxins A and B arbitrated by a semiquantitative cell cytotoxicity neutralization assay (CCNA). The performance of the assay was evaluated using 211 residual deidentified stool samples tested with a GDH-and-toxin EIA (C. Diff Quik Chek Complete; Techlab), with GDH-and-toxin discordant samples tested with CCNA. The stool samples were stored at –80°C before being tested with the Clarity assay. For samples discordant between Clarity and the standard-of-care algorithm, the samples were tested with PCR (Xpert C. difficile; Cepheid), and chart review was performed. The testing algorithm resulted in 34 GDH+/toxin+, 53 GDH−/toxin−, and 124 GDH+/toxin− samples, of which 39 were CCNA+ and 85 were CCNA−. Clarity had 96.2% negative agreement with GDH−/toxin− samples, 100% positive agreement with GDH+/toxin+ samples, and 95.3% agreement with GDH+/toxin−/CCNA− samples. The Clarity result was invalid for one sample. Clarity agreed with 61.5% of GDH+/toxin−/CCNA+ samples, 90.0% of GDH+/toxin−/CCNA+ (high-positive) samples, and 31.6% of GDH+/toxin−/CCNA+ (low-positive) samples. The Singulex Clarity C. diff toxins A/B assay demonstrated high agreement with a testing algorithm utilizing a GDH-and-toxin EIA and CCNA. This novel automated assay may offer an accurate, stand-alone solution for C. difficile infection (CDI) diagnostics, and further prospective clinical studies are merited.

scholarly journals Ultrasensitive Detection of Clostridioides difficile Toxins in Stool by Use of Single-Molecule Counting Technology: Comparison with Detection of Free Toxin by Cell Culture Cytotoxicity Neutralization Assay

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen Hansen ◽  
Stephen Young ◽  
Alan H. B. Wu ◽  
Emily Herding ◽  
Vickie Nordberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Multicenter Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Ultrasensitive Assay ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Positive Agreement

ABSTRACT Laboratory tests for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) rely on the detection of free toxin or molecular detection of toxin genes. The Singulex Clarity C. diff toxins A/B assay is a rapid, automated, and ultrasensitive assay that detects C. difficile toxins A and B in stool. We compared CDI assays across two prospective multicenter studies to set a cutoff for the Clarity assay and to independently validate the performance compared with that of a cell culture cytotoxicity neutralization assay (CCCNA). The cutoff was set by two sites testing fresh samples from 897 subjects with suspected CDI and then validated at four sites testing fresh samples from 1,005 subjects with suspected CDI. CCCNA testing was performed at a centralized laboratory. Samples with discrepant results between the Clarity assay and CCCNA were retested with CCCNA when the Clarity result agreed with that of at least one comparator method; toxin enzyme immunoassays (EIA), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) detection, and PCR were performed on all samples. The cutoff for the Clarity assay was set at 12.0 pg/ml. Compared to results with CCCNA, the Clarity assay initially had 85.2% positive agreement and 92.4% negative agreement. However, when samples with discrepant results between the Clarity assay and CCCNA in the validation study were retested by CCCNA, 13/17 (76.5%) Clarity-negative but CCCNA-positive samples (Clarity+/CCCNA−) became CCCNA−, and 5/26 (19.2%) Clarity+/CCCNA− samples became CCCNA+, resulting in a 96.3% positive agreement and 93.0% negative agreement between Clarity and CCCNA results. The toxin EIA had 59.8% positive agreement with CCCNA. The Clarity assay was the most sensitive free-toxin immunoassay, capable of providing CDI diagnosis in a single-step solution. A different CCCNA result was reported for 42% of retested samples, increasing the positive agreement between Clarity and CCCNA from 85.2% to 96.3% and indicating the challenges of comparing free-toxin results to CCCNA results as a reference standard.

scholarly journals Ultrasensitive Detection of Clostridioides difficile Toxins A and B by Use of Automated Single-Molecule Counting Technology

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Sandlund ◽  
Amelita Bartolome ◽  
Anna Almazan ◽  
Stanley Tam ◽  
Sheryl Biscocho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Testing Procedures ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Stool Samples

ABSTRACT Current tests for the detection of Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile free toxins in feces lack sensitivity, while nucleic acid amplification tests lack clinical specificity. We have evaluated the Singulex Clarity C. diff toxins A/B assay (currently in development), an automated and rapid ultrasensitive immunoassay powered by single-molecule counting technology, for detection of C. difficile toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) in stool. The analytical sensitivity, analytical specificity, repeatability, and stability of the assay were determined. In a clinical evaluation, frozen stool samples from 311 patients with suspected C. difficile infection were tested with the Clarity C. diff toxins A/B assay, using an established cutoff value. Samples were tested with the Xpert C. difficile/Epi assay, and PCR-positive samples were tested with an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (C. Diff Quik Chek Complete). EIA-negative samples were further tested with a cell cytotoxicity neutralization assay. The limits of detection for TcdA and TcdB were 0.8 and 0.3 pg/ml in buffer and 2.0 and 0.7 pg/ml in stool, respectively. The assay demonstrated reactivity to common C. difficile strains, did not show cross-reactivity to common gastrointestinal pathogens, was robust against common interferents, allowed detection in fresh and frozen stool samples and in samples after three freeze-thaw cycles, and provided results with high reproducibility. Compared to multistep PCR and toxin-testing procedures, the Singulex Clarity C. diff toxins A/B assay yielded 97.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The Singulex Clarity C. diff toxins A/B assay is ultrasensitive and highly specific and may offer a standalone solution for rapid detection and quantitation of free toxins in stool.

scholarly journals Increased Clinical Specificity with Ultrasensitive Detection of Clostridioides difficile Toxins: Reduction of Overdiagnosis Compared to Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Sandlund ◽  
Joel Estis ◽  
Phoebe Katzenbach ◽  
Niamh Nolan ◽  
Kirstie Hinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Health Care Associated Infections ◽  
Stool Specimens

ABSTRACT Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common health care-associated infections, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Diagnosis of CDI relies on the assessment of clinical presentation and laboratory tests. We evaluated the clinical performance of ultrasensitive single-molecule counting technology for detection of C. difficile toxins A and B. Stool specimens from 298 patients with suspected CDI were tested with the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT; BD MAX Cdiff assay or Xpert C. difficile assay) and Singulex Clarity C. diff toxins A/B assay. Specimens with discordant results were tested with the cell cytotoxicity neutralization assay (CCNA), and the results were correlated with disease severity and outcome. There were 64 NAAT-positive and 234 NAAT-negative samples. Of the 32 NAAT+/Clarity− and 4 NAAT−/Clarity+ samples, there were 26 CCNA− and 4 CCNA− samples, respectively. CDI relapse was more common in NAAT+/toxin+ patients than in NAAT+/toxin− and NAAT−/toxin− patients. The clinical specificity of Clarity and NAAT was 97.4% and 89.0%, respectively, and overdiagnosis was more than three times more common in NAAT+/toxin− than in NAAT+/toxin+ patients. The Clarity assay was superior to NAATs for the diagnosis of CDI, by reducing overdiagnosis and thereby increasing clinical specificity, and the presence of toxins was associated with negative patient outcomes.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Cycle Threshold, Toxin Concentration, and Clinical Characteristics of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Patients with Discordant Diagnostic Test Results

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan D. Shah ◽  
Joan-Miquel Balada-Llasat ◽  
Kelci Coe ◽  
Erica Reed ◽  
Johanna Sandlund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Toxin Concentration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cycle Threshold ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile Infection

ABSTRACT Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common health care-associated infections that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. CDI diagnosis involves laboratory testing in conjunction with clinical assessment. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of various C. difficile tests and to compare clinical characteristics, Xpert C. difficile/Epi (PCR) cycle threshold (CT), and Singulex Clarity C. diff toxins A/B (Clarity) concentrations between groups with discordant test results. Unformed stool specimens from 200 hospitalized adults (100 PCR positive and 100 negative) were tested by cell cytotoxicity neutralization assay (CCNA), C. diff Quik Chek Complete (Quik Chek), Premier Toxins A and B, and Clarity. Clinical data, including CDI severity and CDI risk factors, were compared between discordant test results. Compared to CCNA, PCR had the highest sensitivity at 100% and Quik Chek had the highest specificity at 100%. Among clinical and laboratory data studied, prevalences of leukocytosis, prior antibiotic use, and hospitalizations were consistently higher across all subgroups in comparisons of toxin-positive to toxin-negative patients. Among PCR-positive samples, the median CT was lower in toxin-positive samples than in toxin-negative samples; however, CT ranges overlapped. Among Clarity-positive samples, the quantitative toxin concentration was significantly higher in toxin-positive samples than in toxin-negative samples as determined by CCNA and Quik Chek Toxin A and B. Laboratory tests for CDI vary in sensitivity and specificity. The quantitative toxin concentration may offer value in guiding CDI diagnosis and treatment. The presence of leukocytosis, prior antibiotic use, and previous hospitalizations may assist with CDI diagnosis, while other clinical parameters may not be consistently reliable.

scholarly journals 4345 Two-step Algorithm for Clostridioides difficile is Inadequate for Differentiating Infection from Colonization in Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 150-150
Author(s):  
Maribeth R Nicholson ◽  
Jacob M Parnell ◽  
Irtiqa Fazili ◽  
Sarah C. Bloch ◽  
D. Borden Lacy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Asymptomatic Children ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Step Algorithm ◽  
New Guidelines ◽  
Testing Algorithm

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: In 2017, new guidelines recommended multi-step algorithms for CDI diagnosis, and clinical centers rapidly implemented changes despite limited pediatric data. We assessed a multi-step algorithm using NAAT followed by EIA for ability to differentiate symptomatic CDI from colonization in children. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We prospectively enrolled pediatric patients with cancer, cystic fibrosis, or inflammatory bowel disease who were not being tested or treated for CDI and obtained a stool sample for NAAT. If positive by NAAT (colonized), EIA was performed. Children with symptomatic CDI who tested positive by NAAT via the clinical laboratory were also enrolled and EIA performed on residual stool. A functional cell cytotoxicity neutralization assay (CCNA) was performed in addition. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Of the 138 asymptomatic children enrolled, 24 (17%) were colonized. An additional 37 children with symptomatic CDI were enrolled. Neither EIA positivity (41% versus 21%, P = 0.11) or CCNA positivity (49% versus 46%, P = 0.84) were significantly different between symptomatic versus colonized children. When both EIA and CCNA were positive, children were more commonly symptomatic than colonized (33% versus 13%, P = 0.04). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: A multi-step testing algorithm with NAAT and EIA failed to differentiate symptomatic CDI from colonization in our pediatric cohort. As multi-step algorithms are moved into clinical care, pediatric providers will need to be aware of the continued limitations in diagnostic testing.

scholarly journals Clostridium difficile PCR Cycle Threshold Predicts Free Toxin

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (9) ◽  
pp. 2651-2660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Senchyna ◽  
Rajiv L. Gaur ◽  
Saurabh Gombar ◽  
Cynthia Y. Truong ◽  
Lee F. Schroeder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clostridium Difficile ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cycle Threshold ◽  
Positive Stool ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

ABSTRACTThere is no stand-aloneClostridium difficilediagnostic that can sensitively and rapidly detect fecal free toxins. We investigated the performance of theC. difficilePCR cycle threshold (CT) for predicting free toxin status. Consecutive stool samples (n= 312) positive for toxigenicC. difficileby the GeneXpertC. difficile/EpitcdBPCR assay were tested with the rapid membrane C. Diff Quik Chek Complete immunoassay (RMEIA). RMEIA toxin-negative samples were tested with the cell cytotoxicity neutralization assay (CCNA) and tgcBIOMICS enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using RMEIA alone or in combination with CCNA and/or ELISA as the reference method, the accuracy ofCTwas measured at differentCTcutoffs. Using RMEIA as the reference method, aCTcutoff of 26.35 detected toxin-positive samples with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 96.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.2% to 98.9%), 65.9% (95% CI, 59.0% to 72.2%), 57.4% (95% CI, 52.7% to 62%), and 97.1% (95% CI, 92.8% to 98.9), respectively. Inclusion of CCNA in the reference method improvedCTspecificity to 78.0% (95% CI, 70.7% to 84.2%). Intercartridge lotCTvariability measured as the average coefficient of variation was 2.8% (95% CI, 1.2% to 3.2%). Standardizing the input stool volume did not improveCTtoxin specificity. The medianCTvalues were not significantly different between stool samples with Bristol scores of 5, 6, and 7, between pediatric and adult samples, or between presumptive 027 and non-027 strains. In addition to sensitively detecting toxigenicC. difficilein stool, on-demand PCR may also be used to accurately predict toxin-negative stool samples, thus providing additional results in PCR-positive stool samples to guide therapy.

scholarly journals Searching for a Potential Algorithm for Clostridium difficile Testing at a Tertiary Care Hospital: Does Toxin Enzyme Immunoassay Testing Help?

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (7) ◽  
pp. e00415-18
Author(s):  
Angela M. Theiss ◽  
Agnes Balla ◽  
Angie Ross ◽  
Denise Francis ◽  
Christina Wojewoda
Keyword(s):  
Clostridium Difficile ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Molecular Tests ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Testing Algorithm

ABSTRACT Clostridium difficile is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. Methods for identifying the organism in stool include molecular platforms, enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for toxin, and culture. Controversy persists over whether molecular tests are too sensitive at identifying C. difficile, and there are questions about how additional laboratory information could inform clinical management and reduce over treatment. The aim of this study was to assess whether clinical factors are related to the toxin status of patients and whether information about toxin status could potentially inform clinical management of patients. A total of 201 PCR-positive C. difficile stool samples from adult patients at our institution underwent EIA toxin testing. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, and the percentage of PCR-positive/EIA-positive (PCR+/EIA+) patients and PCR+ and EIA-negative (PCR+/EIA−) patients was calculated. Of the 201 samples, 47% were EIA positive and 53% were EIA negative. Although PCR+/EIA+ patients were more likely to have had a prior C. difficile infection (P = 0.015), there was no statistical difference between the additional data collected that correlated with a positive EIA result. We were unable to show that patients with an EIA+ result had worse clinical parameters than those with EIA− results and concluded that establishing a testing algorithm that included both PCR and EIA testing would not change the clinical management of patients at our hospital.

scholarly journals 100. Development and Implementation of a 2-Tier Testing Algorithm for Clostridioides difficile: An Evaluation of Outcomes on Patients with Indeterminate Results at 90 Days

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S64-S65
Author(s):  
Johanna P Brown ◽  
Stephanie Puckett
Keyword(s):  
Final Analysis ◽  
Indeterminate Result ◽  
Provider Education ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Daily Monitoring ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
True Infection ◽  
Testing Algorithm

Abstract Background There is no definitive gold standard for accurate diagnosis of Clostridioides difficile (C difficile) infection. There is ample evidence that relying on a molecular test such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for diagnosis, can lead to over diagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Combined, multi-step algorithms have been proposed to improve specificity of testing. The challenge remains in interpreting discordant or indeterminate results. Additionally, the risk of hospitalization due to lack of treatment for indeterminate results remains unclear. Methods To improve C difficile testing, a new 2-tier algorithm was implemented in 2019 starting with PCR testing. An indeterminate result was defined as a sample with a positive PCR and a positive Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GDH)/negative toxin result or a positive PCR and a negative GDH/positive toxin result. Indeterminate results were classified by episode severity and number. Patient records were reviewed by the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS) physician and pharmacist to determine true infection versus colonization. Treatment was given as per recent IDSA Guidelines. All patients with indeterminate results were followed for 90 days for development of infection or hospitalization due to C difficile. Adults with stool samples submitted for testing between 6/1/2019 and 12/31/2019 were included. A total of 169 specimens were reviewed: 75 were positive, 72 were indeterminate (4 excluded from final analysis) and 22 were negative. Results Using a 2-tier testing algorithm, 68 (41%) of all results were indeterminate. Our AS classified 47 (69%) of those as infection and 21 (31%) as colonization. Patients with indeterminate results who were treated had a low incidence (8.5%) of reinfection requiring hospitalization in the following 90 days. There were no hospitalizations in the untreated group. Of patients with an indeterminate result who were treated, 42 (89%) were categorized as an initial episode of C difficile infection. Conclusion Clinical correlation of indeterminate results is critical to algorithm interpretation. A combined approach with provider education, an electronic testing advisor, a 2-tier testing algorithm, daily monitoring and prescribing by the AS team resulted in favorable outcomes for patients with indeterminate results Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Spo0A Suppresses sin Locus Expression in Clostridioides difficile

mSphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Babita Adhikari Dhungel ◽  
Revathi Govind
Keyword(s):  
Diarrheal Disease ◽  
Toxin Production ◽  
The United States ◽  
Upstream Region ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Master Regulator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile

ABSTRACT Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of nosocomial infection and is the causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The severity of the disease is directly associated with toxin production, and spores are responsible for the transmission and persistence of the organism. Previously, we characterized sin locus regulators SinR and SinR′ (we renamed it SinI), where SinR is the regulator of toxin production and sporulation. The SinI regulator acts as its antagonist. In Bacillus subtilis, Spo0A, the master regulator of sporulation, controls SinR by regulating the expression of its antagonist, sinI. However, the role of Spo0A in the expression of sinR and sinI in C. difficile had not yet been reported. In this study, we tested spo0A mutants in three different C. difficile strains, R20291, UK1, and JIR8094, to understand the role of Spo0A in sin locus expression. Western blot analysis revealed that spo0A mutants had increased SinR levels. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of its expression further supported these data. By carrying out genetic and biochemical assays, we show that Spo0A can bind to the upstream region of this locus to regulates its expression. This study provides vital information that Spo0A regulates the sin locus, which controls critical pathogenic traits such as sporulation, toxin production, and motility in C. difficile. IMPORTANCE Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrheal disease in the United States. During infection, C. difficile spores germinate, and the vegetative bacterial cells produce toxins that damage host tissue. In C. difficile, the sin locus is known to regulate both sporulation and toxin production. In this study, we show that Spo0A, the master regulator of sporulation, controls sin locus expression. Results from our study suggest that Spo0A directly regulates the expression of this locus by binding to its upstream DNA region. This observation adds new detail to the gene regulatory network that connects sporulation and toxin production in this pathogen.

scholarly journals Use of a Toxin Neutralization Assay To Characterize the Serologic Response to Adenylate Cyclase Toxin after Infection with Bordetella pertussis

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua C. Eby ◽  
Mary C. Gray ◽  
Jason M. Warfel ◽  
Tod J. Merkel ◽  
Erik L. Hewlett
Keyword(s):  
Adenylate Cyclase ◽  
Bordetella Pertussis ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Immunologic Response ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adenylate Cyclase Toxin ◽  
Strong Candidate ◽  
Candidate Antigen

ABSTRACT Adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) is an essential virulence factor of Bordetella pertussis, and antibodies to ACT protect against B. pertussis infection in mice. The toxin is therefore a strong candidate antigen for addition to future acellular pertussis vaccines. In order to characterize the functionality of the immunologic response to ACT after infection, we developed an assay for testing the ability of serum samples from subjects infected with B. pertussis to neutralize ACT-induced cytotoxicity in J774 macrophage cells. Baboons develop neutralizing anti-ACT antibodies following infection with B. pertussis, and all sera from baboons with positive anti-ACT IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results neutralized ACT cytotoxicity. The toxin neutralization assay (TNA) was positive in some baboon sera in which ELISA remained negative. Of serum samples obtained from humans diagnosed with pertussis by PCR, anti-ACT IgG ELISA was positive in 72%, and TNA was positive in 83%. All samples positive for anti-ACT IgG ELISA were positive by TNA, and none of the samples from humans without pertussis neutralized toxin activity. These findings indicate that antibodies to ACT generated following infection with B. pertussis consistently neutralize toxin-induced cytotoxicity and that TNA can be used to improve understanding of the immunologic response to ACT after infection or vaccination.

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