Specificity of IgM Antibodies in Acute Human Coxsackievirus B Infections, Analysed by Indirect Solid Phase Enzyme Immunoassay and Immunoblot Technique

The specificity of the IgM response in acute human coxsackievirus B infections was examined by indirect solid phase enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot techniques. IgM antibodies detected by ELISA were either strictly type-specific, type-predominant or group-reactive to coxsackieviruses B-1 to B-5. Homotypic and type-dominant responses were clearly correlated with the serotype isolated from the patient. Analysis of ELISA antigens by SDS-gel electrophoresis, protein transfer and subsequent immunodetection of individual virus polypeptides, revealed VP1 as the major antigen; it was detected by homotypic as well as heterotypic serum specimens.