Most of the current serological diagnosis of pertussis is based on
pertussis toxin (PT) IgG antibodies and does not differentiate between
vaccination and infection-induced antibodies. PT is included in all of
acellular pertussis vaccines available in the world. Multiplex testing
of non-vaccine antigen-related antibodies has the potential to improve
the diagnostic outcome of these assays. In this study, we developed a
quantitatively spatial multiplex lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for the
detection of IgG antibodies directed against PT, pertactin (PRN), and
filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA). The assay was evaluated with serum
samples with varying anti-PT, anti-PRN, and anti-FHA IgG levels and the
result was compared to those obtained with standardized ELISA. The
developed assay showed good specificity with PT and PRN antibodies and
semiquantification throughout the antigen combinations. This exploratory
study indicates that the multiplex LFIA is specific and sensitive, and a
similar test platform with alternative antigens could be suitable for
new type of pertussis serology.