A SUBTYPE-SPECIFIC PEPTIDE-BASED ENZYME-IMMUNOASSAY FOR DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES TO THE G-PROTEIN OF HUMAN RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS IS MORE SENSITIVE THAN ROUTINE SEROLOGICAL TESTS

Peptides deduced from the central conserved region (residues 158 to 18 9) of protein G of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) subtypes A and B were used as antigens in subtype-specific enzyme-linked immunos orbent assays (G-peptide ELISAs), These G-peptide ELISAs were compared with seven other serological assays to detect HRSV infection: ELISAs based on complete protein G, on fusion protein F, and on nucleoprotein N; a complement fixation assay; a virus neutralization test; and ELIS As for the detection of immunoglobulin A (IgA) or IgM antibodies speci fic for HRSV. Ln paired serum samples from patients with HRSV infectio n, more infections were diagnosed by the G-peptide ELISA (67%) than by all other serological tests combined (48%). Furthermore, for 16 of 18 patients (89%), the G-peptide ELISAs were able to differentiate betwe en antibodies against HRSV subtypes A and B, This study shows that pep tides corresponding to the central conserved region of the attachment protein G of HRSV can successfully be used as antigens in immunoassays . The G-peptide ELISA appeared to be more sensitive than conventional tests for the detection of HRSV antibody titer rises.