Specificity in the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies
AssigneeViral Antigens, Inc.
InventorsPreston H. Dorsett, Frances I. Byrd, Robert F. Devlin
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Abstract
This invention particularly discloses an improved immunoassay method for the specific detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies. This method employs rubella antigens comprising rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of capsid protein. Use of this antigen composition reduces or eliminates nonspecific protein-protein interactions leading to false positive results. A sample diluent comprising urea can also be used in the process to further reduce the occurrence of nonspecific protein-protein interactions. A diagnostic kit to aid in the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies is also disclosed.
Claims16
A method for detecting anti-rubella IgM antibodies, comprising:
- a) providing a test sample suspected of containing anti-rubella IgM antibodies;
- b) contacting the test sample with rubella antigens comprising rubella E1 glycoprotein and rubella E2 glycoprotein and substantially free of rubella capsid protein to form a binary complex, wherein the E1 and E2 glycoproteins are purified from rubella virus and wherein said binary complex is a complex of rubella antigens and IgM;
- c) contacting the binary complex with an indicator reagent to form a ternary complex;
- and
- d) detecting the presence or absence of the ternary complex;
- wherein said method specifically detects anti-rubella IgM antibodies and substantially eliminates false positive results.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.