OBJECTIVE:To develop and evaluate a multiplex detection of IgM antibodies to pathogens caused viral hemorrhagic fever.
METHODS:The nucleocapsid proteins (NP) of HTN, SEO, Puu MBV, Lassa, RFV and HPS viruses expressed in prokaryotic cells and purified were coupled to 7 different xMAP fluorescent microbeads. The assay was evaluated and optimized when screened against a panel of reference sera collected from HFRS patients, and compared to commonly used MacELISA Kits.
RESULTS:For detection of anti-NP antibodies, the sensitivity and specificity of the assay were comparable to a commonly used MacELISA kit, but it could detect different antigen specific antibodies in one reaction simultaneously.
CONCLUSION:A robust, rapid and multiplex assay based on NPs could be developed via Luminex xMAP platform for laboratory diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic fever and seroepidemiological investigation.