A subtype-specific peptide-based enzyme immunoassay for detection of antibodies to the G protein of human respiratory syncytial virus is more sensitive than routine serological tests.
Peptides deduced from the central conserved region (residues 158 to 189) of protein G of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) subtypes A and B were used as antigens in subtype-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (G-peptide ELISAs). These G-peptide ELISAs were compared with seven other serological assays to detect HRSV infection: ELISAs based on complete protein G, on fusion protein F, and on nucleoprotein N; a complement fixation assay; a virus neutralization test; and ELISAs for the detection of immunoglobulin A (IgA) or IgM antibodies specific for HRSV. In paired serum samples from patients with HRSV infection, more infections were diagnosed by the G-peptide ELISA (67%) than by all other serological tests combined (48%). Furthermore, for 16 of 18 patients (89%), the G-peptide ELISAs were able to differentiate between antibodies against HRSV subtypes A and B. This study shows that peptides corresponding to the central conserved region of the attachment protein G of HRSV can successfully be used as antigens in immunoassays. The G-peptide ELISA appeared to be more sensitive than conventional tests for the detection of HRSV antibody titer rises.
Langedijk
J P
JP
Department of Mammalian Virology, Institute for Animal Science and Health, Lelystad, The Netherlands. J.P.M.Langedijk@id.dlo.nl
Brandenburg
A H
AH
Middel
W G
WG
Osterhaus
A
A
Meloen
R H
RH
van Oirschot
J T
JT
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods*; D015707:HN Protein; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000276:immunology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D015707:HN Protein; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins; C116204:attachment protein G