Capture immunoglobulin M system for rapid diagnosis of La Crosse (California encephalitis) virus infections

Abstract
A capture IgM enzyme immunoassay was developed to diagnose La Crosse virus infections by the detection of specific IgM in acute-phase serum specimens. IgM was detected by the capture IgM system in the serum of 24 of 29 (83%) of the patients studied. IgM was detected in 19 of 29 (66%) of the patients by an indirect immunofluorescence technique. Specific IgM was detected in 83% (20 of 24) of patients serum specimens by day 3 after the onset of clinical symptoms.