Protein arrays based on biotin-streptavidin system for the simultaneous detection of TORCH infections

In this paper, we developed a protein array based on biotin-streptavidin system (PABS) used in the identification of IgM antibodies against TORCH antigens, including toxoplasma gondii (TOX), rubella virus (RuV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus types II (HSV-2) antigens. The detection signal intensities and sensitivities between the PABS and the direct labeling array system (DLAS) were compared. The linear ranges of detectable IgM antibodies in PABS were 0.485-1000 microg/mL, which was more sensitive than DLAS. Quantitatively, the lowest detectable amount for IgM antibodies on each spot of the PABS was 0.25 pg. Furthermore, sixty serum samples from patients were tested with the PABS in TORCH detection. All the results were correspondingly confirmed with ELISA assay. No significant differences in identifying TORCH specific IgM antibodies were found between the PABS and ELISA assay. There was a good concordance between PABS and ELISA in the classification of sera. The results suggested that the PABS was more sensitive, sample-saving and suitable for multi-pathogens parallel clinical detection.