[Development and application of an immunoenzyme test system for diagnosing Ebola fever]

Abstract

Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test systems for the detection of antigens of and antibodies to Ebola virus were developed and tried. The test system for the detection of Ebola virus antigens based on direct solid-phase EIA detects viral antigens in culture fluid of infected Vero cells, in the blood sera, and in homogenates of infected tissues. Use of this test system allows detection of at least 10 ng of viral proteins or 5.0 x 10(3) to 1.0 x 10(4) PFU/ml in infectious material. The test system is prepared on the basis of protein A - horseradish peroxidase conjugate. It is universal for the testing of animal and human sera and is characterized by high resolution and reproducibility of results. It allows detection of antibodies to Ebola virus starting from days 8-9 of infection. A higher sensitivity of direct solid-phase EIA in comparison with complement fixation or indirect immunofluorescence tests is demonstrated.