Solid-Phase Assay for the Detection of Varicella Zoster Virus

Abstract

Aims: ViriChip™ is a novel bionanotechnologic resource that couples atomic-force microscopy with the high-affinity solid-phase capture of viral particles. In this work, it was used for the detection of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Materials & methods: ViriChip was used for VZV detection. PCR, quantitative real-time PCR and electron microscopy were also used to determine the sensitivity and effectiveness of the method. Results: VZV binding was found to be linear at concentrations between 102 and 105 viral particles/µl of an applied sample and the virus was identified by its distinct morphology, shape and size uniformity. The identity of the VZV was verified by direct visualization using electron microscopy, fluorescent imaging with labeled VZV antibodies, PCR and quantitative PCR. Immunocapture was antibody specific, with a sensitivity of 102 viral particles/µl. Conclusion: The ViriChip method allows the detection and visualization of VZV, as well as the recovery of viral particles without inducing morphological damage, constituting a new and promising tool in the field of virology for the quick and precise detection of a clinically important virus.

Varicella Zoster Virus and Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

“…The amount of viral DNA measured in MS patients during relapse was hundreds of times higher in CSF than that in PBMC; in both locations, the amount decreased, as previously observed, after the acute relapse. Even more relevant, viral particles identical to VZV were observed by electron microscopy in the CSF from all 15 MS cases studied in relapse, these viral particles were precipitated with anti-VZV antibodies [ 38 , 39 ]. Similar to the findings by PCR, the viral particles could not be observed in the CSF from the same MS patients when studied during remission [ 38 ].…”

Atomic Force Microscopy in Detection of Viruses

“…Also, in conditions where viral latency has been established, the ability to directly monitor recurrences through the measurement of intact viral particles would be a great asset for the clinical setting. The early and correct diagnosis of viral infection is also relevant, especially in severe infections such as atypical herpes virus infections, in order to ensure effective treatment of the disease and prevention of complications (Hawrami and Breuer 1999;Pineda, Saniger et al 2009). The use of new tools such as AFM could play an important role in the clinical or epidemiological setting when critical situations require a rapid diagnosis, for example the recent H1N1 influenza epidemic experienced in the United States and Mexico (Tian, Wang et al 2011) where AFM could be the only method available that allows morphological identification by direct visualization of intact particles.…”

“…We performed an study regarding the detection of varicella zoster virus using a novel Bionanotechnological approach that couples atomic force microscopy with high affinity solid phase capture of viral particles called Virichip ® (Pineda, Saniger et al 2009). …”