Solid-phase assay for the detection of varicella zoster virus

Aims: ViriChip™ is a novel bionanotechnologic resource that couples atomic-force microscopy with the high-affinity solid-phase capture of viral particles. In this work, it was used for the detection of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Materials & methods: ViriChip was used for VZV detection. PCR, quantitative real-time PCR and electron microscopy were also used to determine the sensitivity and effectiveness of the method. Results: VZV binding was found to be linear at concentrations between 102 and 105 viral particles/µl of an applied sample and the virus was identified by its distinct morphology, shape and size uniformity. The identity of the VZV was verified by direct visualization using electron microscopy, fluorescent imaging with labeled VZV antibodies, PCR and quantitative PCR. Immunocapture was antibody specific, with a sensitivity of 102 viral particles/µl. Conclusion: The ViriChip method allows the detection and visualization of VZV, as well as the recovery of viral particles without inducing mo...