Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Assays
IgG antibodies to Varicella Zoster Virus are produced by the immune system following natural infection with VZV or in response to immunisation with VZV vaccine. Accurate measurement of specific IgG antibodies to VZV is important clinically in determining immune status, in particular as an aid in the accurate determination of post vaccination immune status.
The aim of varicella vaccination is to prevent natural infection and the problematic and, in some cases, life threatening complications associated with the disease.1 Several studies have demonstrated the tolerability and efficacy of varicella vaccine and, in general, the rate of seroconversion following vaccination is high.
Accurate determination of immune status amongst groups at high risk of suffering serious complications from varicella infection is essential. It allows immunocompromised individuals to avoid further, potentially unnecessary, drug administration. Determination of immune status in seronegative pregnant females exposed to VZV ensures the appropriate administration of varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG). This is of great importance as infection with VZV during pregnancy has been associated with adverse foetal development and greater severity of disease in the mother.
- The VaccZymeTM VZV glycoprotein IgG Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) measures only those antibodies which specifically recognise VZV glycoproteins. This offers greater specificity and physiological relevance than assays using extracts from VZV infected cultured cells as their capture antigen.
- In common with the reference standard fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) assay, the VaccZyme VZV glycoprotein IgG EIA assay also measures antibodies specific to viral envelope glycoproteins but because it is fully quantitative and utilises a convenient ELISA format the Binding Site assay is sensitive, specific and easy to automate.
Microwells are coated with purified glycoprotein antigen.
Binding Site VaccZyme VZV assays are calibrated against the World Health Organisation's first international standard for VZV immunoglobulin (1987) code W1044, supplied by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), UK.
| VZV | Measuring Range (mIU/mL) | Sensitivity (mIU/mL) |
|---|---|---|
| IgG | 10-810 | 10 |
| Description | Pack | Code |
|---|---|---|
| VaccZyme VZV glycoprotein IgG Low Level EIA Kit | 96 tests | MK092 |
- Download Literature - VZV Glycoprotein IgG - MKG481
- Download SPANISH Literature - VZV Glicoproteína IgG - MKG513E
For Plasma Screening in the manufacture of therapeutic VZV hyperimmune products, a VZV glycoprotein IgG assay with a higher measuring range is available.
Reference
1. Schmidt. S. The role of a glycoprotein-based ELISA in varicella vaccination programmes. Clinical Laboratory International April 2008;18-19
VaccZyme™ is a trademark of The Binding Site Group Ltd, Birmingham UK.
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