Detection by ELISA of IgM antibodies to Ross River virus in serum from patients with suspected epidemic polyarthritis.

Abstract

An ELISA method for the detection of IgM antibody to Ross River virus in the serum of patients with suspected epidemic polyarthritis has been developed. None of the reagents is infectious or toxic and the use of purified virus minimizes the risk of non-specific reactions to non-viral products. In a positive reaction the ELISA substrate changes colour from yellow to purple, enabling serum antibody titres to be read by eye.