Special remarks: The DEMEDITEC RSV IgG Antibody ELISA Test Kit has been designed for the the detection and the quantitative determination of specific IgG antibodies against Respiratory syncytial virus in serum and plasma.
The antigen used for coating the plates is Strain Long, F-protein.

Each year during the winter months, RS viruses spread heavily amongst children and infants. There are recurring infection by RS viruses every year. Voluntary studies with adults have demonstrated that a reinfec­tion with RS viruses is possible. The incubation time is 2 - 6 days. RS viruses are paramyxoviruses with a diameter of 90 - 140 nm. The most noticeable connection of RSV infections with respiratory infections and specific clinical syndromes was detected in infants up to 6 months of age with bronchiolitis or pneumonia. In older infants or small children the disease is milder. In 25 % of infections of the respiratory tract RSV infections are detect­able. As reinfections with RSV are possible, it is assumed that these reinfec­tious antibodies are responsible for the mild course of the disease in adults, being similar to a cold. However, especially in the early years, serum antibodies are no effective protection against infections of the respiratory tract. Therefore, this pathogen may cause bronchiolitis or, in infants up to 4 months of age, pneumonias. Based on their antigen relationship, RSV isolates are differenciated into two major groups (A and B). The surface glycoproteins of the virus (G glycoprotein and fusion glycoprotein) cause the production of virus-neutra­lizing antibodies. Obviously the G glycoproteins of groups A and B are very different, while the F glyco­proteins of both groups show a high antigen concurrence. The complement binding reaction is unsatisfactory for the serological diagnosis of RSV. Enzyme immuno­assays are of diagnostic value for the serological diag­nosis of RSV infections, as they are very sensitive and allow the differentiation of antigens into the various immunoglobulin classes. In RSV infections, it is possi­ble that the IgM antibody response is missing or so weak that a reliable interpre­tation of the results is impossible. The detection of IgG antibodies in a single sample is no evidence for an acute infection as, in some patient IgA, antibodies may persist months and years. The method recommended for serological test­ing of acute RSV infections is the determination of IgG antibodies in serum pairs with significant titer rise.