METHOD FOR QUANTIFICATION OF THE DENGUE NS1 ANTIGEN ON AN IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHIC STRIP

摘要

The invention relates to one-step instrument-free method for the quantification of the dengue NS1 antigen in early acute phase, present in serum, plasma and blood samples, by reacting same with a specific monoclonal and/or polyclonal antibody against the antigen, which antibodies are conjugated to colloidal gold deposited on a matrix from which it is released upon contact with the sample. This immune complex migrates through a solid medium and is trapped upon interaction with other specific antibodies against epitopes of the antigen for the four serotypes of the virus which are firmly bound to a reactive zone of the medium. The immune complex is deposited in the reaction area which is manifested by the appearance of a visually detectable mark which depending on the colour thereof indicates a positive result in response to the presence of the NS1 antigen and consequently a dengue virus infection.