Detection of IgM antibodies against coxsackie B viruses by a western blot technique.

We report the application of a modified Western blot (WB) micromethod basically relying on a diffusion-blotting technique (Modi-blot) combined with an immunological detection system using monoclonal antibodies and a biotinavidin amplification step for the detection of IgM antibodies against coxsackieviruses B1 (CBV1), CBV2 and CBV4. Fifty-one adult patients with clinical signs of coxsackievirus B infection (e.g. myocarditis and meningitis) were investigated. The test revealed a total of 31 (60%) IgM positives. The majority of IgM antibodies were group reactive (22/31). Type-specific antibodies could be recognized in 9 cases (3 with CBV1, 5 with CBV2 and 1 with CBV4). The highest rate of antibody prevalence was found in sera from patients with acute meningitis (12/14). Controls [healthy adults (n = 13) and individuals with other infections (n = 13)] were all negative for specific IgM against coxsackievirus B1, B2 and B4. Further WB tests of 8 IgM positive specimens with coxsackievirus B4 revealed specific IgA responses in all cases, reinforcing the evidence for a recent infection. In addition, the patterns of IgG antibody subclasses, also investigated in this group, showed a clear predominance of specific IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies.