Antigen capture assay for detection of simian type D retroviruses in cell cultures and plasma samples.

A rapid, sensitive and specific antigen capture (AC) assay has been established for the detection of p27 core protein of SAIDS type-D retrovirus (SRV). SRV p27 antigen in test samples was identified on rabbit anti-p27 IgG-coated microtiter plates by the addition of biotinylated rabbit anti-p27 IgG. This assay was specific for the p27 core protein of SRV-1 and SRV-2 and provided semi-quantitative results in less than 7 hours. Results of the AC assay were highly correlated with those of reverse transcriptase (RT), immunofluorescence and immunoblotting assays. However, the AC assay was faster and more sensitive than the other three assays. The AC assay also provided a rapid diagnostic tool for the detection of SRV in plasma, serum and peripheral blood lymphocyte cocultures. In addition to mass screening of SRV infection in macaque colonies, the AC assay also will be valuable for monitoring the efficacy of antiretroviral agents against SRV in vitro and in vivo.