Methods and compositions for detecting herpes simplex virus type 2

摘要

The invention provides methods for sensitive and specific detection of anti-HSV-2 antibodies by depletion of cross-reactive (non-specific) antibodies in a biological sample that can lead to a false positive result. The invention also features compositions, including nucleic acids, polypeptides, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention.

主权项

1. A method of detecting the presence or absence of specific anti-herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) antibodies in a biological sample, comprising:
(a) preabsorbing a biological sample suspected of containing anti-HSV-2 antibodies by contacting the sample with a first preabsorbing antigen comprising the amino acid sequence AAKTPPTTPAP (SEQ ID NO:06), wherein said first preabsorbing antigen is not a full length glycoprotein G2 (gG2) polypeptide and does not deplete said specific anti-HSV-2 antibodies, (b) contacting said biological sample with a second antigen capable of binding a specific anti-HSV-2 antibody, and (c) detecting the presence or absence of specific anti-HSV-2 antibody in said biological sample wherein said specific anti-HSV-2 antibody detected in said sample is bound to said second antigen.