Intended Use

Advanced Biotechnologies Inc’s (ABI) indirect Immunofluorescent Assay (IFA) for Human Herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) IgG antibody is intended for the qualitative and quantitative determination of IgG specific antibodies to HHV-7 in human serum or plasma. The test is intended as an aid in the detection of reactivation/reinfection or persistent infection with HHV-7 and can provide serological evidence of previous HHV-7 infection.

Principle of the Assay

ABI’s HHV-7 IgG IFA kit uses a rapid, simple, sensitive method for determination of IgG antibodies to Human Herpesvirus-7. ABI’s immunofluorescent assay utilizes the indirect method of fluorescent antibody staining first described by Weller and Coons in 1954.

Procedure

Step 1

Diluted human sera or plasma are added to the wells of IFA slides. During incubation, diluted unknown samples and undiluted control samples are incubated with a mixture of HHV-7 infected and uninfected cells, which are attached to the slides. Specific HHV-7 antibodies will bind to the antigen present in infected cells, formulating immunological complexes. If the sample being examined contains no antibodies to HHV-7, no complex is formed. After incubation, the IFA slides are washed to remove all unbound components.

Step 2

Anti-human IgG conjugated to the dye Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) is added to each slide, and during incubation, will bind to the antibody-antigen complexes present on the wells. After incubation, each slide is washed to remove unbound conjugate. After mounting, the slides are ready to evaluate under a fluorescent microscope.
If antibodies to HHV-7 are present (a positive reaction), bright apple-green fluorescence will be seen.