Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies to varicella zoster virus.

A sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described for detection of varicella zoster virus (VZV) IgG antibodies. The antigen consisted of a sonicated extract of VZV-infected human embryo cells. Goat antihuman IgG peroxidase conjugate was used to detect human IgG bound to viral antigen. The results have been compared with those obtained by the indirect peroxidase antibody to membrane antigen technique (IPAMA). Comparison of titers obtained by ELISA with those obtained by IPAMA in sera of 41 medical students, six chickenpox patients and six herpes zoster patients showed good agreement between the tests as to the presence or absence of antibody. ELISA was about 88 times more sensitive than IPAMA. The specificity and sensitivity of ELISA as compared to other serologic techniques for detection of antibody to VZV is discussed.