Comparison of a multiplexed herpes simplex virus type-specific immunoglobulin G serology assay to immunoblot, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
The human herpes simplex virus (HSV) is highly pathogenic, with infections caused by two distinct antigenic types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Differentiation of antibodies to these specific antigens can provide useful information for the diagnosis of subclinical or undiagnosed HSV-2 infections, as well as for reducing the risk of maternal transfer of HSV to the neonate. In this study, a multiplex assay capable of concurrent detection of HSV-1 and -2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies was compared to immunoblot, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Agreement of the multiplex assay was 95% or greater (n = 332) for both HSV-1 and -2 compared to the three assays. Sensitivities for HSV-1 ranged from 94.9 to 97.9%, with specificities of 93 to 97%. For HSV-2, the sensitivity and specificity ranges were 92.6 to 98.9% and 98.3 to 98.7%, respectively. Our studies show that the multiplexed microsphere-based assay offers a sensitive and specific alternative method for the detection HSV-1 and -2 type-specific antibodies. Advantages of the multiplex assay include multiple results per assay, the inclusion of internal controls for each specimen, and higher throughput of results.
Martins
Thomas B
TB
ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, 500 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA. martintb@aruplab.com
Welch
Ryan J
RJ
Hill
Harry R
HR
Litwin
Christine M
CM
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D015498:HIV-2 / Q000276:immunology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood*; D012015:Reference Standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000276:immunology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007074:Immunoglobulin G