KEYWORDS:
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank for the reply to our correspondenceCitation1 on the report on “seroepidemiology of immunoglobulin G antibodies against pertussis toxin and filamentous hemagglutinin in the east of China during the COVID-19 pandemic”Citation2,Citation3 Sun et al.’s response provides some information on the diagnostic properties of the ELISA detection method used in the original study, such as the kit used, sensitivity and specificity values, and adjustments made to the estimated pertussis infection rate based on these values. It also states plans to do future study with several ELISA kits to validate and improve accuracy and dependability. We absolutely agree with the change. However, there are some potential future difficulties that could be addressed by further research.
To further evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the ELISA kits utilized, the results should be compared to an established gold standard method for pertussis detection. Because ELISA assays might occasionally show cross-reactivity with other antigens, it is critical to evaluate and disclose any potential cross-reactivity issues in the ELISA kits utilized. Furthermore, adequate quality control methods must be implemented to monitor and maintain the accuracy and reliability of the ELISA detection method during the investigation. Additional tests to assess the reproducibility and repeatability of the ELISA assays would contribute to the validity of the research findings. Additional assurance of the findings would come from working with other research groups or organizations to externally confirm the ELISA detection method and study outcomes might be considered.
Authors’ contribution
HP 50% ideas, writing, analyzing, approval
VW 50% ideas, supervision, approval
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Funding
References
- Sun X, Wang W. Reply to the enhancing the accuracy of seroprevalence studies: reassessing pertussis infection rates in Eastern China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024; 20(1):2349321. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2349321.
- Daungsupawong H, Wiwanitkit V. Enhancing the accuracy of seroprevalence studies: reassessing pertussis infection rates in eastern China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024 Dec 31; 20(1):2340765. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2340765.
- Sun X, Zhang T, Sun J, Zhou J, Chen Q, Jia C, Xu Y, Wu Y, Wang Z, Wang W. The seroepidemiology of immunoglobulin G antibodies against pertussis toxin and filamentous hemagglutinin in the east of China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024 Dec 31; 20(1):2331438. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2331438.