Rapid detection of varicella-zoster virus based on an immunochromatographic strip

• Published in: Virology (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2023-09, Vol.586, p.35-42
• Main Authors: Wang, Aiping, Niu, Yan, Zhao, Jianguo, Liu, Hongliang, Ding, Peiyang, Chen, Yumei, Zhou, Jingming, Zhu, Xifang, Zhang, Ying, Liang, Chao, Zhang, Gaiping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antigen detection; Glycoprotein E; Immunochromatographic strip; Varicella-zoster virus
• ISSN: 0042-6822; 1096-0341
• DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.07.008

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a highly infectious DNA virus that can cause varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (HZ). A simple, sensitive and specific detection method is desirable for the VZV infection. In this study, VZV gE protein, expressed in CHO cells, was used to immunize BALB/c mice for the generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). For the first time, we developed a colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip for rapid detection of VZV using a pair of mAbs against gE protein. The limit of detection (LOD) of the strip was 30 ng mL−1 of purified VZV gE antigen, and it could specifically test VZV without cross-reactivity with Enterovirus 71 (EV-71), Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). The coincidence rate between the strip and commercial real-time PCR diagnostic kit was 100% using vesicle as the clinical sample. Our strip provided a technical support for rapid and specific detection of VZV. •10 monoclonal antibodies against VZV gE were generated with high affinity.•For the first time, the colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip was developed for rapid detection of VZV.•The strip could specifically detect VZV without cross-reactivity with EV-71, HSV-1 and HSV-2.•The coincidence rate between the strip and PCR diagnostic kit was 100% using vesicle as the clinical sample.