Detection of La Crosse arbovirus antigen in mosquito pools: Application of chromogenic and fluorogenic enzyme immunoassay systems

Abstract

An enzyme immunoassay producing either a chromogenic or fluorogenic end product was developed and evaluated for detecting La Crosse viral antigen within mosquito pools. The enzyme immunoassay was found to be sensitive, detecting one infected mosquito within a pool of 100 mosquitos, and specific, distinguishing between closely related California group viruses. Assays were completed within 5 h after the addition of test samples. La Crosse viral antigen could be readily detected in mosquito pools after seven freeze-thaw cycles.