Development of a convenient immunochromatographic strip for the diagnosis of vesicular stomatitis virus serotype Indiana infections.

Abstract A rapid and simple immunochromatography strip (ICS) test for the specific detection of vesicular stomatitis virus serotype Indiana (VSV-IND) using two distinct monoclonal antibodies MAbs (1A2 and 4C3) against the G protein of VSV-IND was developed. The MAb 1A2 was conjugated with colloidal gold, and the MAb 4C3 and goat anti-mouse IgG were sprayed onto a nitrocellulose membrane in strips at positions designated T and C, respectively. The results showed that samples of VSV-IND combined with CG-MAb 1A2, and that these complexes were captured by MAb 4C3 at the test line (T), resulting in the appearance of a purple band. When samples did not contain VSV-IND or when they contained a quantity of VSV-IND below the detection limit of the test, only the control line (C) was visible. The analysis of the sensitivity of the test demonstrated that the lowest detected quantity of VSV-IND was 1.85 × 10 3.0  TCID 50 /ml. Storage of the ICS test at room temperature for 6 months or at 4 °C for 12 months did not change their sensitivity and specificity. In clinical trials using RT-PCR as a reference test, the relative specificity and sensitivity of the ICS were determined to be 98.9% and 91.4%, respectively. Based on these results, the ICS test developed may be a suitable tool for rapid on-site testing for VSV-IND infection.