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Published on: May 31, 2020
A Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test for the Detection of ZIKV-Specific Antibodies
Kristina Dimitrova1, Emelissa J Mendoza1, Nicole Mueller1
1Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Abstract:
Neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus (ZIKV) are a robust indicator of exposure to ZIKV. Here we describe the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), which quantifies ZIKV-neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) by incubating infectious ZIKV with different dilutions of sera and applying the mixture to a susceptible Vero cell monolayer. After 4 days of incubation, neutral red dye is added to optimize the visualization of plaques caused by ZIKV cytopathic effect. Compared with controls, sera containing nAbs against ZIKV will demonstrate ≥90% reduction in the number of plaques observed. This protocol can be utilized for research applications and serological diagnostic testing with the use of additional controls.
