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Chlamydia trachomatis and parainfluenza 2 virus: a shared antigenic determinant?
A S Fox1, E M Saxon, S Doveikis
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Monoclonal antibodies targeting chlamydiae unexpectedly identified parainfluenza 2 (PI-2) virus in a tracheal aspirate. This specific antibody reagent cross-reacted with PI-2 virus, indicating potential for broader diagnostic applications.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Parainfluenza virus type 2 (PI-2) is a significant respiratory pathogen.
- Chlamydiae are bacteria that can cause various infections.
- Accurate and rapid viral detection is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an unexpected finding of positive immunofluorescence in a tracheal aspirate.
- To determine the specificity of anti-chlamydia monoclonal antibodies against parainfluenza 2 virus.
Main Methods:
- Direct immunofluorescence examination of a tracheal aspirate.
- Isolation of parainfluenza 2 virus and exclusion of chlamydiae.
- Testing the anti-chlamydia monoclonal antibody reagent against PI-2 virus strains.
Main Results:
- The tracheal aspirate showed positive immunofluorescence for elementary body- and reticulate body-like particles using anti-chlamydia monoclonal antibodies.
- Parainfluenza 2 (PI-2) virus was isolated from the sample, while chlamydiae were not detected.
- The anti-chlamydia monoclonal antibody reagent specifically stained the identified PI-2 strain and 3 out of 18 additional PI-2 strains.
Conclusions:
- Anti-chlamydia monoclonal antibodies can exhibit cross-reactivity with parainfluenza 2 virus.
- This cross-reactivity suggests a potential for using these antibodies in diagnosing PI-2 infections.
- Further research is warranted to explore the diagnostic utility of this antibody in broader PI-2 detection.