Solid-phase immune electron microscopy (SPIEM) by use of protein A and its application for characterization of selected adenovirus serotypes.

Staphylococcal protein A was used for the anchoring of specific antibodies for a solid-phase immune electron microscope method (SPIEM). More IgG adsorbed to grids in the absence of protein A than in its presence. However, the virus trapping efficiency was markedly improved in the presence of protein A. The specificity of the test was evaluated by use of different adenovirus preparations and matching rabbit hyperimmune sera. The degree of serological reaction was evaluated by counting the number of particles attached to the grid. Type specific reactions and inter- and intrasubgroup reactions were identified.