This invention relates to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome associated coronavirus (SARS virus) isolated and recombinant proteins, in particular the nucleocapsid (N) protein and spike (S) protein, as well as fragments thereof and their use in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The proteins and fragments carry epitopes that are specific for the SARS virus. Thus, detection methods based on these proteins or fragments as well as the monoclonal antibodies against these proteins or fragments are specific for the SARS virus.
