Serological detection of specific IgG to varicella-zoster virus by novel ELISA based on viral glycoprotein antigen.

: The novel RIDASCREEN varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG enzyme immunoassay (EIA) based on viral envelope glycoproteins was evaluated using the fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen test as a reference. For the detection of VZV immunity in latently infected persons, the sensitivity of the RIDASCREEN assay was 94-100%. Thus, the novel EIA had comparable sensitivity as the SERION enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) classic VZV IgG and higher sensitivity than the ELISA Enzygnost Anti VZV/IgG. Sensitivity of the RIDASCREEN EIA for the determination of immunity following vaccination was 57-89% and not different from the sensitivity of the SERION and the Enzygnost assay. While the specificity of the RIDASCREEN EIA was calculated as 88-98%, SERION and Enzygnost ELISAs had 100% specificity. In conclusion, the novel RIDASCREEN EIA can be recommended for detection of VZV immunity after natural infection taking account of the reduced specificity. For determination of immunity post vaccination, a different approach for the interpretation of borderline results should be considered.