Enzyme Immunoassay in the Tropics

Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) has deservedly become widely established in developed countries as a rapid, sensitive and specific tool for detecting and quantitating a wide range of antigens and antibodies. Its merits include the relatively low cost of consumables, reagent stability, reproducibility and case of procedure. Since ELISA can readily be employed in the Third World, its many potential applications in such regions will briefly be detailed. The advantages of ELISA over other assays will also be described and mention will be made of its application to rabies and to the technical problems that are sometimes encountered.