A novel, rapid assay for detection and differentiation of serotype-specific antibodies to Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex alphaviruses.
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.
Wang
Eryu
E
Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathology, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0609, USA.
Paessler
Slobodan
S
Aguilar
Patricia V
PV
Smith
Darci R
DR
Coffey
Lark L
LL
Kang
Wenli
W
Pfeffer
Martin
M
Olson
James
J
Blair
Patrick J
PJ
Guevara
Carolina
C
Estrada-Franco
Jose
J
Weaver
Scott C
SC
D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D002417:Cattle; D002460:Cell Line; D006224:Cricetinae; D004666:Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004685:Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine / Q000453:epidemiology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006736:Horses / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013045:Species Specificity
D000914:Antibodies, Viral