Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV 1) IgM - ELISA

GWB-2B88BA

Herpes simplex is an enveloped DNA virus (150-200 nm in diameter) belonging to the alpha-herpesviridae. Based on antigenic biochemical and biologically differences it can be divided into two serotypes HSV-1 and HSV-2. Man is the only known natural host and source of the virus. HSV Type 1 typically causes oral herpes while HSV-type 2 typically affects the genital area. Most of the time HSV-1 and HSV-2 are inactive or ?silent? and cause no symptoms but some infected people have ?outbreaks? of blisters andulcers. Once infected with HSV people remain infected for life. Herpes simplex viruses are amongst the most common infectious agents of man and either HSV type appears to be capable of infecting similar body sites. A high percentage of the adult population is seropositive (appr. 90% HSV-1 in dependence on the socio-economic status 10-30% HSV-2). Primary HSV-1 infection usually occurs in early childhood (6 to 18 months of age). HSV-2 usually produces mild symptoms and most people have no recognized symptoms. Persons at risk are children with inherited T-cell deficiencies and patients who are immunosuppressed because of infection (e. g. HIV) transplantation or cancer therapy. The presence of virus resp. infection may be identified byMicroscopy: CPE IFPCRSerology: Detection of antibodies by ELISAPrinciples of the assay: The qualitative immunoenzymatic determination of IgM-class antibodies against HSV Type 1 is based on the ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique. Microtiter strip wells are precoated with HSV Type 1 recombinant antigens to bind corresponding antibodies of the specimen. After washing the wells to remove all unbound sample material horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labelled anti-human IgM conjugate is added. This conjugate binds to the captured HSV Type 1 specific antibodies. The immune complex formed by the bound conjugate is visualized by adding Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) substrate which gives a blue reaction product. The intensity of this product is proportional to the amount of HSV Type 1 specific IgM antibodies in the specimen. Sulphuric acid is added to stop the reaction. This produces a yellow endpoint colour. Absorbance at 450 nm is read using an ELISA microwell plate reader. Storage and Stability: The reagents are stable up to the expiry date stated on the label when stored at 2. . . 8 & deg; C. Limitations of the Test: Bacterial contamination or repeated freeze-thaw cycles of the specimen may affect the absorbance values. Diagnosis of an infectious disease should not be established on the basis of a single test result. A precise diagnosis should take into consideration clinical history symptomatology as well as serological data. In immunocompromised patients and newborns serological data only have restricted value. References Pass R. F. R. J. Whitley J. D. Whelchel A. G. Diethelm D. W. Reynolds and C. A. Alford. 1979. Identification of Patients with Increased Risk of Infection with HSV after Renal Transplantation. J. Infect. Dis. 140:487-492. Meyer J. D. N. Fluornoy and E. D. Thomas. 1980. Infection with HSV and Cell Mediated Immunity after Bone Marrow Transplant. J. Infect. Dis. 142:338-346Hutfield D. C. 1966. History of Herpes Genitalis. J. of Vener. Dis. 42:263-268Gentry G. A. and C. C. Randall. 1973. The Physical and Chemical Properties of the HSV. In: The HSV. A. S. Kaplan ed. New York Academic Press. P. 45. Whitney R. J. Nahmias et al. 1980. The Natural History of HSV Infection of Mother and Newborn. Pediatrics. 66:489-494.