Use of monoclonal antibodies in an enzyme immunoassay for rapid identification of group B Streptococcus types II and III.

Streptococci belonging to Lancefield group B are frequently recognized as the etiological agents of sepsis and meningitis in young children. Current methods of identifying these organisms have not been universally accepted because of the time and complexity in performing the studies and a lack of reference antisera. We have developed hybrid myeloma (hybridoma) cell lines which secrete large amounts of antibody against types II and III group B streptococci. Antibodies harvested from supernatants react only with the bacterial strain that was used initially to immunize the animals. We have used the hybridoma antibodies in an enzyme immunoassay and have shown it to be a sensitive and reliable technique for typing group B streptococci. The use of hybridoma antibodies in the enzyme immunoassay may permit early detection of group B streptococcal antigen before cultures are visibly positive.