[Experience with using the indirect hemagglutination reaction in studying natural foci of tick-borne encephalitis]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a significant viral zoonosis transmitted by ticks.
• Accurate diagnostic methods are crucial for identifying TBE virus in various biological samples.
• Distinguishing TBE virus from other tick-borne pathogens like Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus is important for clinical and epidemiological purposes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test for detecting TBE virus.
• To assess the specificity of the IHA test using diagnostic preparations for TBE virus and Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus.
• To investigate the utility of the IHA inhibition test in analyzing human patient sera.

Main Methods:

• Indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test was employed.
• Detection of TBE virus in infected cell cultures, mouse brain suspensions, and Ixodid tick suspensions.
• Use of erythrocyte immunoglobulin diagnostic preparations specific to TBE virus and Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus.
• Indirect hemagglutination inhibition test was performed on human patient sera.

Main Results:

• TBE virus was successfully detected in cell cultures, mouse brains, and tick specimens using the IHA test.
• The diagnostic preparation for TBE virus yielded positive results, while the preparation for Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus did not.
• Human patient sera demonstrated cross-reactivity in the indirect hemagglutination inhibition test, inhibiting antigens of both TBE and Omsk hemorrhagic fever viruses.

Conclusions:

• The indirect hemagglutination test is a sensitive and specific method for detecting TBE virus in diverse sample types.
• The diagnostic preparations used exhibit specificity for TBE virus detection.
• Cross-reactivity observed in patient sera warrants further investigation for accurate serological diagnosis.