A novel, rapid assay for detection and differentiation of serotype-specific antibodies to Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex alphaviruses.

Abstract

An epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed for the rapid differentiation of serologic responses to enzootic variety IE and ID versus epizootic variety IAB and IC strains of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus. Two monoclonal antibodies that differentially recognize epizootic versus enzootic VEE virus epitopes were used to measure the serotype-specific blocking abilities of antibodies in sera of naturally infected humans, equines, and bovines, as well as in experimentally infected equines. The assay is simple, species-independent, rapid, and sensitive, and will improve surveillance for VEE emergence. It could also be used to determine the epidemic potential of a VEE virus following an intentional introduction for bioterrorism.

• Authors: Eryu Wang, Slobodan Paessler, Patricia V Aguilar, Darci R Smith, Lark L Coffey, Wenli Kang, Martin Pfeffer, James Olson, Patrick J Blair, Carolina Guevara, Jose Estrada-Franco, Scott C Weaver
• Journal: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene (Am J Trop Med Hyg) Vol. 72 Issue 6 Pg. 805-10 (Jun 2005) ISSN: 0002-9637 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15964967 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Viral

Topics

• Animals
• Antibodies, Viral (blood)
• Cattle
• Cell Line
• Cricetinae
• Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine (classification, immunology, isolation & purification)
• Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine (epidemiology)
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Horses (blood)
• Humans
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Species Specificity