A dot-immunobinding assay on nitrocellulose with psoralen inactivated Herpesvirus simiae (B virus)

An enzyme-immunoassay performed with Herpesvirus simiae (B virus) and H. simplex antigens inactivated with a psoralen derivative and long-wavelength ultraviolet light irradiation is described. Although B virus is a known human pathogen requiring extreme care in its handling, the use of inactivated antigens in the test allows its performance without biosafety containment. The test utilizes nitrocellulose sheets dotted with antigen for the assay of antibody against B virus in nonhuman primate sera. Antigen-antibody complexes are detected visually as red dots by the use of enzyme-conjugated antiglobulin second antibody and a substrate that produces an insoluble product. The test is more rapid, sensitive and specific than the serum neutralization test it is intended to replace. Of 150 macaque monkey sera tested, 83 were negative by the enzyme and neutralization tests, 56 were positive by both tests and 11 were positive by enzyme-assay but negative by neutralization. Positive sera reacted with both simian and human viral antigens in the enzyme assay but with greater intensity against B virus. Absorption with H. simplex removes reactivity with this virus without reducing the B virus response.