DETECTION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN-G TO A SINDBIS-RELATED VIRUS BY A MEMBRANE ANTIGEN ENZYME-IMMUNOASSAY

We determined the seroprevalence of a Sindbis-related virus isolated f or the first time in 1975 from ticks in south-east Sicily and typed by Gresikova et al. in 1978. An indirect enzyme immunoassay based on vir al membrane antigen for coating microtiter strips was used for the det ection of immunoglobulin G to the Sindbis-related virus. The method ap peared more sensitive than a similar enzyme immunoassay based on crude lysate antigen. Comparison of the results obtained from sera tested b oth by membrane antigen enzyme immunoassay and microneutralization tes t showed 92% agreement, while the agreement between microneutralizatio n test and crude antigen enzyme immunoassay was 76%. An overall elevat ed seroprevalence (63.66%) was found in a population group living in a nd around the area of first isolation and seroprevalence in different age groups was also studied.