A single serum dilution method for the quantitation of neutralizing antibodies to varicella-zoster virus.

A one-point serum dilution method for determination of neutralizing antibody in human sera to varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus instead of the serial serum dilution method was investigated. Focus counting was performed under a microscope on day 5 to 6 after inoculation of V-Z virus into 6-well plastic trays in which human embryonic lung cells were grown. A table was constructed to estimate the ND50 titers by the per cent reduction of the focus count from the control at only one dilution of test sera. The estimated ND50 values agreed well with those determined by the serial serum dilution method. Test sera showed a slight nonspecific reactivity at low serum dilutions, but reliable results could usually be obtained at a serum dilution of 1:8 or more. This method, which saves materials and labor, was applied to the quantification of neutralizing antibody against V-Z virus in human sera with satisfactory accuracy and reproducibility.