Standardization of immunoglobulin M capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for routine diagnosis of arboviral infections

J Clin Microbiol. 2000 May;38(5):1823-6. doi: 10.1128/JCM.38.5.1823-1826.2000.

Abstract

Immunoglobulin M antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA) is a rapid and versatile diagnostic method that readily permits the combination of multiple assays. Test consolidation is especially important for arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) which belong to at least three virus families: the Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, and Bunyaviridae. Using prototype viruses from each of these families and a panel of well-characterized human sera, we have evaluated and standardized a combined MAC-ELISA capable of identifying virus infections caused by members of each virus family. Furthermore, by grouping antigens geographically and utilizing known serological cross-reactivities, we have reduced the number of antigens necessary for testing, while maintaining adequate detection sensitivity. We have determined that a 1:400 serum dilution is most appropriate for screening antiviral antibody, using a positive-to-negative ratio of >/=2.0 as a positive cutoff value. With a blind-coded human serum panel, this combined MAC-ELISA was shown to have test sensitivity and specificity that correlated well with those of other serological techniques.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • Arbovirus Infections / blood
  • Arbovirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Arbovirus Infections / immunology
  • Bunyaviridae Infections / diagnosis
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
  • Cross Reactions
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / standards*
  • Flaviviridae Infections / diagnosis
  • Geography
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood*
  • Quality Control
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Togaviridae Infections / diagnosis
  • United States

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin M