A quantitative method for measuring the adherence of group B streptococci to murine peritoneal exudate macrophages.

We have developed a solid phase, direct binding, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect and quantify the adherence of group B streptococci to murine macrophages. The assay correlated well with direct microscopic quantification of adherence. As few as 3.8 x 10(4) bacteria/assay well or less than one bacterium per macrophage could be detected. This assay is both quantitative and selective, and is readily adaptable for multiple sample analysis. It provides a valuable alternative to visual detection of bacterial adherence.