A Comparative Study of ELISA, Gelatin Agglutination Test and Sperm Immobilization Test for Antisperm Antibody in Male Sera

Lee, Kyu Baik; Kim, Sae Chul

Abstract

An extensive variety of methods has been used to detect antisperm antibodies in infertile individuals, and this reflects a concern about the immunological validity, interpretation and standardization of the tests. Comparisons of different methods using the same test materials have shown little correlation between results. The purpose of this Study is to compare the results of three methods. ELISA, gelatin agglutination test and sperm immobilization test-using the same test materials based on recommendations from WHO workshop. The results are as follows: 1. Ten normal controls showed negative reactions in all the 3 tests. Out of 34 patients, the positive sera were noted in 23 (67.6%) on ELISA test, 20 (58.8%) on gelatin agglutination test and 18 (52.9%) on sperm immobilization test. 2. Fifteen (44.1 %) out of 34 patients showed positive reactions in all the 3 tests, and 26 (76.5%) out of 34 patients showed positive reaction in one or more tests. 3. The titers of the antisperm antibodies were higher in the following orders; ELISA, gelatin agglutination test and sperm immobilization test. Therefore, it seems to be possible to increase the detectability of the antisperm antibodies, if more than one tests are impolyed.