Clinical significance of enhanced sensitivity in detecting HBsAg by Biotin-Avidin ELISA.

The Biotin-Avidin System (BAS) was incorporated into enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique to increase the sensitivity of the standard ELISA for the detection of HBsAg. We compared the sensitivity of Biotin-Avidin ELISA (BA-ELISA) with monoclonal antibody reverse passive hemagglutination assay (McAB RPHA), standard ELISA and solid phase radioimmunoassay (SPRIA). BA-ELISA was most sensitive. Out of 276 healthy individuals who were HBsAg negative by polyclonal antibody RPHA (PcAB-RPHA), 10(3.60%) were HBsAg positive by the BA-ELISA. Out of 123 acute hepatitis patients who were HBsAg negative by PcAb-RPHA and anti-HBc positive by ELISA, 64(52.03%) were found to be HBsAg positive by BA-ELISA. This study indicates that enhanced sensitivity of BA-ELISA in detecting HBsAg significantly increases the correctness of diagnosis of HBV infection.