Antibody to Varicella-Zoster Virus-Induced Membrane Antigen: Immunoperoxidase Assay with Air-Dried Target Cells

Abstract

A technique using indirect immunoperoxidase antibody [Ab] to membrane antigen (IPAMA) was developed for detection of Ig[immunoglobulin]G Ab to varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The IPAMA technique utilizes glass slides with air-dried VZV-infected [human embryonic fibroblast] cells, which can be stored at -70.degree. C and used for several months without loss of sensitivity. Ab titers measured by the IPAMA technique were comparable to those measured by the technique using indirect fluorescent Ab to membrane antigen (IFAMA) for sera obtained from 63 medical students, sera from 3 patients with chicken pox and 9 with herpes zoster infection; the sensitivity of the IPAMA was equal to that of the IFAMA technique. No cross-reactivity with Ab to other herpesviruses was observed.