An indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect antibodies against St. Louis Encephalitis virus

Authors

  • Lorena SPINSANTI National University of Cordoba; Faculty of Medical Sciences; Institute of Virology Dr 'J.M. Vanella'
  • Viviana RE National University of Cordoba; Faculty of Medical Sciences; Institute of Virology Dr 'J.M. Vanella'
  • Javier AGUILAR National University of Cordoba; Faculty of Medical Sciences; Institute of Virology Dr 'J.M. Vanella'
  • Marta CONTIGIANI National University of Cordoba; Faculty of Medical Sciences; Institute of Virology Dr 'J.M. Vanella'

Keywords:

Indirect immunofluorescence assay, Neutralization test, St. Louis Encephalitis virus

Abstract

An in house indirect immmunofluorescence assay ( IFA ) in relation to neutralization (NT) reference test, was assessed as a fast and cheap method to carry out serological surveys for St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLE). Sera obtained from 213 blood donors were analyzed by both tests. The prevalence of seropositivity obtained with IFA was lower than (30.98%) that observed on NT (41.78%). The relative specificity rate of IFA was 96.77% whereas its relative sensitivity rate was 69.66%. Kappa index showed a good correlation between both tests. The results indicate that neutralization assay is still the serological test with the highest sensitivity and specificity relative rates for detecting antibodies against SLE virus. Nevertheless, the IFA could be useful as an alternative test in order to learn the circulation of the Flavivirus genus in a certain area.

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Published

2001-12-01

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 6 (2001)

Section

Brief Communication

How to Cite

SPINSANTI, L., RE, V., AGUILAR, J., & CONTIGIANI, M. (2001). An indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect antibodies against St. Louis Encephalitis virus . Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De São Paulo, 43(6), 339-340. https://www.revistas.usp.br/rimtsp/article/view/30561