Detection of eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus and Highlands J virus antigens within mosquito pools by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) . I. A laboratory study
Hildreth, S.W.; Beaty, B.J.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 33(5): 965-972
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 6091470 Document Number: 222528
During a study in the USA, enzyme immunoassays producing either chromogenic or fluorogenic end products were developed and evaluated for detection of eastern equine encephalitis and Highlands J viruses in pools of Aedes triseriatus. Overnight incubation of the mosquito samples significantly enhanced the sensitivity of the test. The assays for both viruses were sensitive, readily detecting 1 infected mosquito in a pool with 99 uninfected ones, and specific. Three days after intrathoracic inoculation, eastern equine encephalitis virus was isolated from all 30 mosquitoes examined. Concurrently, the virus antigen was detectable by enzyme immunoassay in all the mosquitoes and by indirect fluorescent antibody technique in 77% of the examined mosquito head squash preparations.