A method of detecting HTLV-III virus and its derivatives, and antibodies in the serum of AIDS patients, as well as test system for use in the method

摘要

Core antigens of the virus HTLV-III are used to detect antibodies in sera of AIDS and pre-AIDS patients, and for biochemical and immunological analysis of antigens associated with the virus HTLV-III. The utilization of p24 and p41 core antigens enables a greater specificity of detection. Antigens associated with virus infection of human cells are specifically recognized by antibodies from AIDS patients. Specifically, HTLV-III isolated from AIDS patients and transformed by cocultivation with an HT cell line is specifically detected by means of antibodies from AIDS patients. The p24 and p41 antigens are used to monitor the presence of HTLV-III in cultured cells and cell-free culture fluids, where virus infection is suspected, and also to detect antibodies in human sera. The antibodies are detected in particular by radioimmunoassay (RIA), ELISA (enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay) or indirect immunofluorescence assay.