The line blot, a new immunoassay in which antigens are placed on nitrocellulose as narrow lines, was evaluated for its sensitivity and specificity relative to the microimmunofluorescence assay for the diagnosis of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF). The line blot assay was only slightly less sensitive and less specific than the microimmunofluorescence assay for detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM...

OBJECTIVES Most data on HIV prevalence in low-risk populations in sub-Saharan Africa are drawn from sentinel surveys of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and are not representative of formal sector workforces. We surveyed workforces in southern Africa to determine HIV prevalence among formally employed, largely male populations. METHODS Voluntary, anonymous, unlinked seroprevalence s...

It has been suggested that technological variations associated with Still Bay assemblages of southern Africa have not been addressed adequately. Here we present a study developed to explore regional and temporal variations in Still Bay point-production strategies. We applied our approach in a regional context to compare the Still Bay point assemblages from Hollow Rock Shelter (Western Cape) and...

Staining of blot membranes enables the visualization of bound proteins. Proteins are usually transferred to blot membranes by electroblotting, by direct spotting of protein solutions, or by contact blots. Staining allows the efficiency of transfer to the membrane to be monitored. This unit describes protocols for staining proteins after electroblotting from polyacrylamide gels to blot membranes...