A combined oligonucleotide and protein microarray for the codetection of nucleic acids and antibodies associated with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus infections

Abstract A multiplexed assay based on the codetection of nucleic acids and antibodies in human serum infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus was proposed. The combined immuno- and oligosorbent array (CombOLISA) microarray is prepared in 96-well standard microplates by spotting (1) nucleic probes specific for a virus genome, (2) viral proteins for the capture of serum antibodies, and (3) nonspecific proteins for verifying specificity. Experimental assay conditions were optimized so that both DNA hybridization and immunological reactions can be achieved simultaneously in the same well and buffer and all at the same temperature. A generic detection system based on the precipitation of an insoluble colorimetric substrate in the presence of enzyme-labeled antibodies or streptavidin was proposed. The optical density of each spot was correlated to the corresponding analyte concentration. The influence of critical parameters on CombOLISA performance such as serum concentration was studied. Calibration curves and sensitivity thresholds were established for each parameter. Serial dilutions of serum were correlated to results obtained with validated immunoassay platforms such as a microplate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or the VIDAS automat. Also, several HIV- and HBV-infected serum samples were tested independently by CombOLISA and VIDAS. Coefficients of variation for genomic and proteomic parameters vs spot density were below 15%.