Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection and identification of coxsackie B antigen in tissue cultures and clinical specimens.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed for the identification of Coxsackie B antigens. This assay was capable of identifying and distinguishing all six Coxsackie B serotypes at concentrations one hundredfold to ten thousandfold less than could be detected by complement fixation (CF) systems. In addition, the Coxsackie B ELISA correctly identified the presence of Coxsackie B antigen in 19 of 21 tissue culture fluids and five of nine rectal swab specimens. Two additional rectal swab specimens reacted with Coxsackie B antisera but could not be conclusively serotyped. Tissue culture fluids and rectal swab specimens containing other viruses such as ECHO virus, Coxsackie virus A, rhinovirus, rotavirus and Norwalk virus were consistently negative in the assay. The Coxsackie B ELISA offers potential for the rapid identification of Coxsackie B antigens in clinical specimens and tissue culture systems.