New Test for Detecting H5N1 Influenza Antibodies
Author Information
Author(s): Prabakaran Mookkan, Ho Hui-Ting, Prabhu Nayana, Velumani Sumathy, Szyporta Milene, He Fang, Chan Kwai-Peng, Chen Li-Mei, Matsuoka Yumiko, Donis Ruben O., Kwang Jimmy
Primary Institution: Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore
Hypothesis
Can an epitope-blocking ELISA effectively detect antibodies to H5N1 influenza viruses in human and animal sera?
Conclusion
The epitope-blocking ELISA provided highly sensitive and specific detection of antibodies to H5N1 influenza viruses in human sera.
Supporting Evidence
- The epitope recognized by the mAb is conserved in 100% of the 163 H5N1 viruses isolated from humans.
- The assay showed higher sensitivity and specificity compared to hemagglutinin inhibition and microneutralization assays.
- The 5F8 mAb-based EB-ELISA detected H5N1 antibodies in convalescent human sera with a mean percent blocking of 73.16.
Takeaway
Scientists created a new test to find out if people have antibodies against a specific bird flu virus called H5N1. This test works really well and can tell the difference between H5N1 and other flu viruses.
Methodology
The study developed an epitope-blocking ELISA using a monoclonal antibody to detect specific antibodies in human and animal sera.
Limitations
The assay may not distinguish between HPAI H5N1 and low pathogenic H5 subtypes in animals.
Participant Demographics
The study included 45 human serum samples from individuals with known H5N1 exposure history.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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