Detection of antibodies against a chorionic gonadotropin-like substance

Abstract

A method of detecting the presence of first antibodies against a chorionic gonadotropin-like substance in a first biological sample obtained from an organism other than domestic poultry. The first biological sample is contacted with a chorionic gonadotropin-like substance, preferably isolated from Progenitor cryptocides microorganism, which has been immobilized on a solid phase, under conditions permitting first antibody/chorionic gonadotropin-like substance binding. Unbound sample components are removed from the solid phase, and a plurality of second antibodies, each comprising an immunological conjugate of the first antibody, are contacted with the solid phase, under conditions permitting second antibody/first antibody binding. Unbound second antibodies are removed from the solid phase and the presence of chorionic gonadotropin-like substance/first antibody/second antibody complex, if any, is observed, as a measure of the presence of first antibodies in the first biological sample. Observation can be carried out photometrically by tagging the second antibodies with an enzyme labeling agent, such as alkaline phosphatase or horseradish peroxidase; enzyme degradation of a reagent added to the solid phase can be monitored via a color change reaction. The method can be adapted for use as a screening procedure for conditions associated with elevated levels of antibodies against a chorionic gonadotropin-like substance, such as active and prodromal neoplastic conditions.