[Use of a rapid method for determining primary infection by rubella virus]

The assay of specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies could aid in the diagnosis of early viral infection. Here we described the results obtained for IgG and IgM separation on a small column of Sephadex A-50 ion exchanger and the subsequent measure of hemagglutination inhibition antibodies for rubella virus. This diagnostic procedure combines the efficiency, rapidity and simplicity of a chromatography method with the detection of specific antibodies by reference method. The average immunoglobulin recuperation was 91% for the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and 70% for the IgM. Eighteen sera obtained from patients with presumptive diagnostic compatible with primary rubella infection, 10 from patients with known immune status for rubella virus, and 3 sera with specific IgM for BK virus, were comparatively studied by gel filtration. Sephadex G-200, enzyme immunoassay for rubella IgM antibody and Sephadex A-50 ion exchanger. The results indicated that the proposed method can be satisfactorily used for the diagnostic of primary rubella virus infection.