A microassay for detecting merozoite inhibition suitable for routine laboratory use.

A micro semiautomative assay of merozoite inhibition antibody has been developed, based on incorporation of radiolabeled isoleucine into parasite protein. The assay has been validated using 44 sera from healthy blood donors in Madang. Inhibition of uptake of label occurred in 43.2% of tests, while an enhancement of uptake was demonstrated in 4.7%. This assay has 'potential' for both seroepidemiological studies, and for providing a mechanism of biotyping wild isolates.