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Development of a prototype immunochromatographic test for rapid diagnosis of respiratory adenovirus infection

Abstract

Human adenoviruses comprise an important group of etiologic agents that are responsible for various diseases in adults and children, such as respiratory, ocular, gastroenteric, and urinary infections. In immunocompromised and organ-transplanted individuals, these agents can cause generalized infections. Rapid diagnostic methods for detecting these infectious agents are not widely available.The aim of this work was to produce monoclonal and polyclonal anti-adenovirus antibodies to be used in a rapid diagnostic test for respiratory infections.Adenovirus hexons were satisfactorily purified by ultracentrifugation and chromatography. After virus purification, anti-hexon monoclonal antibodies were produced and characterized, following classical methods. Antibodies were specific for adenoviruses 2, 3, 5, and 41. The proposed immunochromatographic test was standardized using colloidal gold.The standardization of the rapid test was sufficient to detect adenovirus antigens (in nasopharyngeal lavage samples) with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 85% when compared to direct immunofluorescence.The immunochromatographic assay prototype was sufficiently sensitive to detect B (3), C (2 and 5), and F (41) adenovirus samples. Although based on preliminary data, the test demonstrated the same performance as direct immunofluorescence, but with the advantage of being a point-of-care test. Further studies are still needed to confirm its effectiveness in clinical practice.

Keywords:
Adenovirus; Monoclonal antibodies; Immunochromatographic test

Introduction

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are important agents that cause serious infections in children and immunocompromised patients. HAdVs were first detected in military personnel with acute febrile respiratory disease. Later, clinical manifestations such as gastroenteritis, cystitis, hepatitis, keratoconjunctivitis, meningoencephalitis, and myocarditis were also related to these viruses.11 August MJ, Warford AL. Evaluation of a commercial monoclonal antibody for detection of adenovirus antigen. J Clin Microbiol. 1987;1987:2233-5.

2 Belfort R, Barbosa JB, Regatieri CVS, et al. Diagnóstico de conjuntivite adenoviral pelo RPS Adenodetector (2007). Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2007;70:441-4.

3 Ferone EA, Berezin EN, Durigon GS, et al. Clinical and epidemiological aspects related to the detection of adenovirus or respiratory syncytial virus in infants hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2014;90:42-9.

4 Levent F, Greer JM, Snider M, Demmeler-Harrison GJ. Performance of a new immunochromatographic assay for detection of adenoviruses in children. J Clin Virol. 2009;44:173-5.

5 Lion T. Adenovirus infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2014;27:441.

6 Paek SH, Lee SH, Cho JH. Development of rapid one-step immunochromatographic assay. Methods. 2000;22:53-60.

7 Tsutsumi H, Ouchi K, Ohsaki M, Yamanaka T, Kuniya Y, Takeuchi Y. Immunochromatography test for rapid diagnosis of adenovirus tract infections: comparison with virus isolation in tissue culture. J Clin Microbiol. 1999;37:2007-9.

8 Uchio MD, Aoki MD, Saitoh MD, Itoh N, Ohno S. Rapid diagnosis of adenoviral conjunctivitison conjunctival swabs by 10-minute immunochromatography. Ophthalmology. 1997;104:1294-9.

9 Udeh BL, Scheneider JE, Ohsfeldt RL. Cost effectiveness of a point-of-care test for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Am J Med Sci. 2008;336:254-64.
-1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5.

The epidemiological studies of adenovirus infections have limitations due to the relatively high incidence of doubtful and inconclusive results obtained in the tests currently in use. Direct immunofluorescence (IFD) and Enzyme Linked ImmunonoSorbent Assay (ELISA) assays are techniques that are not very sensitive for the diagnosis of adenovirus infections, compared to cell culture methods and molecular diagnosis.33 Ferone EA, Berezin EN, Durigon GS, et al. Clinical and epidemiological aspects related to the detection of adenovirus or respiratory syncytial virus in infants hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2014;90:42-9.

4 Levent F, Greer JM, Snider M, Demmeler-Harrison GJ. Performance of a new immunochromatographic assay for detection of adenoviruses in children. J Clin Virol. 2009;44:173-5.
-55 Lion T. Adenovirus infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2014;27:441.,1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5.

Virus isolation in cell cultures is a sensitive method for adenovirus detection, but this method is costly and time-consuming, taking several days to perform the isolation. As some adenovirus serotypes are difficult to culture, in order to maximize sensitivity the virus should culture on at least two or three different cell lines.1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5. The turn-out of culture results are immediately provided to the clinician, and are impractical in studies with a large number of clinical samples.33 Ferone EA, Berezin EN, Durigon GS, et al. Clinical and epidemiological aspects related to the detection of adenovirus or respiratory syncytial virus in infants hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2014;90:42-9.,1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5.

Molecular diagnosis by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a relatively quick and sensitive tool, enabling direct laboratory diagnosis in the clinical sample.1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5. Depending on the DNA region amplified by PCR, it is possible to distinguish between species and serotypes.1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5. However, this technique still has a high cost and requires a specialized technical team to perform it, and it is therefore not very accessible.33 Ferone EA, Berezin EN, Durigon GS, et al. Clinical and epidemiological aspects related to the detection of adenovirus or respiratory syncytial virus in infants hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2014;90:42-9.,99 Udeh BL, Scheneider JE, Ohsfeldt RL. Cost effectiveness of a point-of-care test for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Am J Med Sci. 2008;336:254-64.,1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5.

In this study, the purified adenovirus antigen was used in the production of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, which in turn were applied to a nitrocellulose membrane. The rapid test prototype consisted of anti-hexon polyclonal antibodies coupled to the glass fiber superimposed on high-flow nitrocellulose 180.

The combination of the 6D-1G monoclonal antibody on the test line (capture) with gold-conjugated rabbit polyclonal antibodies (fiber glass/detection) provided better specificity and sensitivity. When 6D-1G (concentration 1.2 mg/mL) was tested with sucrose (3%) and trehalose (2.5%), there was successful detection of adenoviruses 2, 3, 5, and 41.

In the configuration of the proposed adenovirus detection test the monoclonal antibody was bound to a nitrocellulose membrane and the polyclonal antibody to a glass fiber membrane, and this proved to be a promising format in the standardization of an immunochromatographic assay for detecting all adenovirus serotypes.2929 Madisch I, Harste G, Pommer H, Heima A. Phylogenetic of the main neutralization and hemagglutination determinants of all human adenovirus prototypes as a basis for molecular classification and taxonomy. J Virol. 2005;79:15265-76.

Material and methods

Production of adenovirus hexons/purification stocks, electron microscopy and virus concentration

Production of adenovirus stocks and purification, electron microscopy, and virus concentration were performed as previously described.1111 Boulanger PA, Puvio F. Large-scale preparation of soluble adenovirus hexon, penton and fiber antigens in highly purified form. Eur J Biochem. 1973;39:37-42.

12 Dowdle WR, Lambriex M, Hierholzer JC. Production and evaluation of a purified adenovirus group-specific (hexon) antigen for use in the diagnostic complement fixation test. Appl Microbiol. 1971;:718-22.

13 Kanegae Y, Makimura M, Saito I. A simple and efficient method for purification of infectious recombinant adenovirus. Jpn J Med Sci Biol. 1994;47:157-66.

14 Nermut MV, Perkins WJ. Consideration of three dimensional structure of the adenovirus hexon from electron microscopy and computer modeling. Micron. 1979;10:247-66.

15 Peixoto C, Ferreira TB, Carrondo MJ, Cruz PE, Alves PM. Purification of adenoviral vectors using expanded bed chromatography. J Virol Methods. 2006;132:121-6.

16 Pichla-Gollon S, Drinker M, Rux JJ, Burnett RM, Bergelson JM. Structure-based identification of a major neutralizing site in an adenovirus hexon. J Virol. 2007;:1680-9.

17 Rux JJ, Burnett RM. Large-scale purification and crystallization of adenovirus hexon. Methods in molecular medicine, vol. 131: adenovirus methods and protocols, second edition, vol. 2: Ad proteins, RNA, lifecycle, host interactions, and phylogenetics

18 Oostrum J, Smith PR, Mohraz M, Burnett RB. Interpretation of electron micrographs of adenovirus hexon arrays using a crystallographic molecular model. J Ultrastructure Mol Struct Res. 1986;96:77-90.
-1919 Tollefson AN, Scaria A, Ying B, Wold WSM. Mutations within the ADP(E3-11.6) protein alter processing and localization of ADP and the kinetics of cell lysis of adenovirus infected cells. J Virol. 2003;:7764-77778. The protein content was measured by bicinchoninic acid method.2020 Hongling Q, Zhichau Z. Eppitope mapping and cross reactivity analysis of monoclonal antibodies against hexon protein of human adenovirus type 3. Virus Res. 2009;146:58-65.

Production of polyclonal antibodies

Immunization of BALB/c mice

Virus antigen was purified using cesium chloride gradient centrifugation and dialysis against 10 mM HEPES buffer, pH 7.4, 10% glycerol and 1 mM EDTA. Nine male BALB/c mice of approximately six weeks were immunized intraperitoneally (i.p.) as follows2020 Hongling Q, Zhichau Z. Eppitope mapping and cross reactivity analysis of monoclonal antibodies against hexon protein of human adenovirus type 3. Virus Res. 2009;146:58-65.: injection of 50 µg adenovirus hexon protein (pure antigen) diluted in Freund's adjuvant. The booster dose was performed with i.p. injection of approximately 50 µg antigen in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. The third dose was performed i.p. injection of approximately 50 µg antigen in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. The fourth dose was administered with injection with 50 µg antigen in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Finally, spleen cells were used for the fusion.

Production/purification of polyclonal antibodies in rabbit was performed as previously described.2020 Hongling Q, Zhichau Z. Eppitope mapping and cross reactivity analysis of monoclonal antibodies against hexon protein of human adenovirus type 3. Virus Res. 2009;146:58-65.

21 Rocha LB, Luz DE, Moraes CTP, et al. Interaction between Shiga toxin and monoclonal antibodies: binding characteristics and in vitro neutralizing abilities. Toxins. 2012;4:729-47.
-2222 Siqueira-Silva J, Harsi CM. Infection kinetics of human adenovirus serotype 41 in HEK 293 cells. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro. 2009;104:736-44.

Indirect ELISA of polyclonal antibodies from BALB/c mice

Selection of positive mice, i.e., those that produced adenovirus antigen-specific antibodies, was based on the result of indirect ELISA test. The plate was coated with purified “adenovirus hexon” diluted in 0.05 M carbonate/bicarbonate buffer, pH 9.6 (50 µL/well), at a concentration of approximately 10 µg/well. The plate was incubated overnight at 4 °C and subsequently washed once with 0.05% PBST, and blocking solution (1% tryptone, 1% BSA, 3% sucrose (150 µL/well)) in PBS for 1 h at 37 °C was then added. The plate was washed once with 0.05% PBST. Next, 50 µL of sera were added to the ELISA plate, which was then incubated at 37 °C for 1 h. The negative control was PBS. The plate was washed 3 times with 0.05% PBST and then incubated with secondary antibody, horseradish peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG (H+L) (Immunopure Pierce), diluted 1/10,000 in 0.05% PBST. Peroxidase activity was revealed by the addition of ELISA substrate TMB BD OptEIA. The reaction was stopped by adding 50 µL/well of 3 N H2SO4 and the plate read on a TP Reader Thermo Plate at a wavelength of 450 nm.2020 Hongling Q, Zhichau Z. Eppitope mapping and cross reactivity analysis of monoclonal antibodies against hexon protein of human adenovirus type 3. Virus Res. 2009;146:58-65.

Monoclonal antibodies production

Hybridoma technology

Fusion was performed according to the protocol proposed by Dr. Leticia Barboza's group (Bacteriologia - Instituto Butantan). Myeloma cells from the Sp2/0-Ag14 line (ATCC CRL 1581-Köhler and Milstein, 1976) were purchased from the Rio de Janeiro Cell Bank (BCRJ). Cells were previously thawed, grown in pre-fusion medium (RPMI 1640 medium (Invitrogen) plus 10% NCTC (Invitrogen) and 10% FBS) and kept in an incubator at 37 °C in 5% CO2.

For the preparation of hybridoma conditioned medium (feeder), mouse macrophages of the BALB/c strain were obtained by the intraperitoneal lavage procedure. Macrophages were obtained by introducing 5 mL of RPMI 1640 medium (4 °C) into the peritoneum. The medium was withdrawn with the macrophages and then centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 5 min. Finally, the cells were resuspended in RPMI 1640 medium with 10% NCTC and 10% FBS and incubated at 37 °C in 5% CO2.

Initially, two 25-cm2 and three 75-cm2 flasks of SP20 cells were used in the assay. The cells were then counted in a Neubauer chamber and placed in a 5% CO2 incubator at 37 °C, in approximately 5 mL of pure DMEM. The BALB/c mice received the fourth booster dose of 50 µg of purified “adenovirus” diluted in PBS three days prior to the fusion assay. The immunized animals were sacrificed and the spleen and lymph nodes removed. The spleen and lymph nodes were placed on a screen on top of a beaker and DMEM was injected with a needle and syringe (they swelled and burst easily and the cells fell through the screen). The tissue was macerated on the screen with the plunger of a glass syringe. The macerates were placed in a Falcon tube and centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 5 min. The supernatant was discarded and the splenocytes and lymph node cells were resuspended in 5 mL of medium. The cells were then counted in a Neubauer chamber. SP2 cells and splenocytes (in 1:2 ratio) were mixed in a Falcon tube. Next, 10 mL of pure DMEM were added and the tube was centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 5 min. The supernatant was discarded with the aid of a Pasteur pipette and the pellet was gently broken with 0.5 mL of pure DMEM. Subsequently, 1 mL of PEG was added with 50 µL of DMSO for 1 min, dropwise with slow stirring, in a beaker with water at 37 °C, after which time the cells were allowed to remain another minute in the beaker. Subsequently, 2 mL of pure DMEM were added dropwise with gentle shaking; an additional 20 mL of pure DMEM were then added, and the cells were allowed to stand for 4 min in water at 37 °C. Thereafter, the tube with the cells was centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 5 min at room temperature. For lymph node cells, the pellet was resuspended in 10 mL of complete medium: DMEM + 3% HAT + 15% FBS and plated (100 µL) in a 96-well plate. For splenocytes, the pellet was resuspended in 30 mL of complete medium: DMEM + 3% HAT + 15% FBS and plated (100 µL) in three 96-well plates. Finally, the cells were incubated at 37 °C, 10% CO2. The medium was changed every three days. After one week, 3% HAT was substituted with 2% HAT for another three weeks.2121 Rocha LB, Luz DE, Moraes CTP, et al. Interaction between Shiga toxin and monoclonal antibodies: binding characteristics and in vitro neutralizing abilities. Toxins. 2012;4:729-47.

Indirect ELISA of hybridoma supernatant

Selection of positive hybridomas, i.e., those that produced adenovirus antigen-specific antibodies was performed by indirect ELISA. Prior to this, standardization of this ELISA test was performed using various concentrations of purified adenovirus antigen, HEK cell antigens (negative control), and commercial anti-adenovirus monoclonal antibody (positive control). This ELISA with cross-titration allowed a cut-off to be established so that truly positive hybridomas could be identified.

The plate was sensitized with purified adenovirus antigen diluted in 0.05 M carbonate/bicarbonate buffer, pH 9.6 (50 µL/well), at a concentration of approximately 0.5 µg/well. In addition, all hybridoma supernatants were tested against HEK cell antigens (negative control) at a concentration of 0.0025 ng/well. The plate was then incubated overnight at 4 °C. Subsequently, it was washed once with 0.05% PBST and then blocking solution (1% tryptone, 1% BSA, 3% sucrose (150 µL/well)) diluted in PBS for 1 h at 37 °C was added. Finally, it was washed once with 0.05% PBST, and then, 100 µL of the hybridoma culture supernatant were incubated in the ELISA plate at 37 °C for 1 h. Non-immunized mouse serum was used as the negative control. Commercial anti-adenovirus monoclonal antibody (Merck/positive control) was incubated at a 1/3000 dilution. The plate was washed three times with 0.05% PBST and then incubated with goat anti-mouse IgG secondary antibody (H+L) conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (Immunopure Pierce) diluted 1/10,000 in PBS. Finally, peroxidase activity was revealed by the addition of ELISA substrate TMB BD OptEIA. The reaction was stopped by adding 50 µL/well of 3 N H2SO4 and the plate subsequently read in a spectrophotometer (TP Reader Thermo Plate) at 450 nm.2121 Rocha LB, Luz DE, Moraes CTP, et al. Interaction between Shiga toxin and monoclonal antibodies: binding characteristics and in vitro neutralizing abilities. Toxins. 2012;4:729-47.

Limiting dilution of hybridomas

Hybridomas that had optical density close to or above the estimated cut-off (OD = 0.548) - for purified adenovirus antigen - were subjected to limiting dilution. Hybridomas were detached from the flask and placed in a Falcon tube. The cells were then counted in a Neubauer chamber. The cell count of a 25-cm2 flask was around 3 × 105 cells/mL. From this calculation, a sequential dilution in other Falcon tubes (with 10 mL of culture medium) was done until approximately 50 cells in 10 mL of medium were finally obtained. At the end, approximately 100 µL were incubated in a 96-well cell culture plate and kept in an incubator at 37 °C and 5% CO2.2121 Rocha LB, Luz DE, Moraes CTP, et al. Interaction between Shiga toxin and monoclonal antibodies: binding characteristics and in vitro neutralizing abilities. Toxins. 2012;4:729-47.

Monoclonal antibodies characterization

Indirect ELISA of purified monoclonal antibodies

The plate was sensitized with adenovirus (serotypes 2, 3, 5, and 41) diluted with 0.05 M carbonate/bicarbonate buffer, pH 9.6 (50 µL/well), at a concentration of approximately 0.5 µg/mL. In addition, all hybridoma supernatants were tested against parainfluenza virus (negative control) respiratory tract cell antigens at the same concentration, with overnight incubation at 4 °C. Subsequently, the plate was washed once with 0.05% PBST and then incubated with blocking solution (1% tryptone, 1% BSA, 3% sucrose) in PBS (150 µL/well) for 2 h at 37 °C. Wells were washed once with 0.05% PBST and then 100 µL of purified monoclonal antibodies (5 µg/mL) were added, followed by incubation at 37 °C for 1 h. The plate was incubated with anti-adenovirus monoclonal antibody (positive control) at 1/3000 dilution and washed six times with 0.05% PBST, and the secondary antibody, horseradish peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG (H+L) (Immunopure Pierce), diluted 1/10,000 in PBS, was added, followed by incubation for 40 min at 37 °C. The reaction was stopped by adding 50 µL/well of 3 N H2SO4 and TMB BD OptEIA was added as substrate. The plate was read on a plate spectrophotometer (TP Reader Thermo Plate) at 450 nm.2121 Rocha LB, Luz DE, Moraes CTP, et al. Interaction between Shiga toxin and monoclonal antibodies: binding characteristics and in vitro neutralizing abilities. Toxins. 2012;4:729-47.

ELISA for isotype was performed as previously described.2121 Rocha LB, Luz DE, Moraes CTP, et al. Interaction between Shiga toxin and monoclonal antibodies: binding characteristics and in vitro neutralizing abilities. Toxins. 2012;4:729-47.

Protocols for immunochromatographic test

Conjugation of colloidal gold with antibody

The antibody(s) were resuspended (at a final concentration of 1 mg/mL) in 0.2 M NaCl-borate buffer pH 9.0, and then dialyzed against 2 mM borate-NaCl buffer, pH 9.0 for 2 h. The amount of antibody required to stabilize gold was determined: 100 µL of colloidal gold (20 nm, 1 OD or 0.01%, BBI) was added in aliquots containing 10 µL of dilutions of dialyzed monoclonal antibody (in 2 mM borate). After 10 min, 11 µL of 10% NaCl was added to each tube. The amount of antibody sufficient to stabilize the gold was the dilution in which the solution did not change color, i.e., insufficient amount of antibody changes the coloration of the solution from red to blue. Considering a dialyzed solution of antibodies at the approximate concentration of 1 mg/mL, the volumes of 1-4 µL were tested. Subsequently, the pH of the gold to be conjugated to pH 9.0 was adjusted with 0.1 M K2O3 solution.

The colloidal gold was added to the stirring antibody, allowed to react for 30 min at room temperature (10 mL of gold colloidal in the amount of antibody determined in step 3). In order to stabilize the reaction, a 10% BSA solution (10% BSA in 0.01 M borate buffer, pH 9.0) was mixed in sufficient volume to reach a final concentration of 1% and incubated for 30 min. The solution was centrifuged at 15,000 × g for 20 min at 4 °C and the supernatant discarded. The pellet was resuspended in 2 mL of a 2% BSA in 0.01 M borate buffer and centrifuged at 12,000 × g for 20 min at 4 °C. Finally, the pellet was resuspended in 1 mL of buffer (3% BSA, 3% sucrose, 0.01 M sodium borate and 0.05% sodium azide) and stored at 4 °C.2323 Oliver C. Immunocytochemical methods and protocols. Methods Mol Biol. 2010;588:369-73.

Immunochromatographic assay

Each paper type was treated separately before assembling the tape, as shown below: the sample pad(s) were immersed in buffer (20 mM sodium borate buffer, 0.1% Triton X-100 and 0.1% sodium azide, pH 8.5) and stored in a vacuum chamber at room temperature for 2 h or held at 56 °C for 2 h. Conjugate pad(s) (solid phases with conjugate) were soaked with 20 µL of the pAb-gold solution. The fibers were then kept in an oven at 37 °C for 2 h. Nitrocellulose membranes (HiFlow Plus nitrocellulose 180 - Merck) were incubated with 0.1 M Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, with 0.4% glycerol for 15 min on a shaker. After immersion, the membranes were washed 1× with 10 mM Na2HPO4 wash buffer pH 7.5 and then placed in the oven at 37 °C for 18-20 h for drying. Subsequently, 1.5 µL 6D-1G monoclonal antibody (concentration 1.2 mg/mL) diluted in 0.01 M PBS pH 7.2 (test line) were applied. Then, 1.2 mg/mL rabbit anti-IgG was applied after 0.5 cm of the test line (control line). The membranes were then kept in a vacuum chamber for 2 h. The strips were set for drying at room temperature overnight or in the vacuum chamber for 2 h. The absorbing pad(s) (solid absorption phases) need no treatment. The diluent (0.01 PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100 and 0.5% BSA) improved the migration rate of the sample (1:1 diluent/sample). For assembling the tests, the pretreated papers were overlapped according to Fig. 1.2323 Oliver C. Immunocytochemical methods and protocols. Methods Mol Biol. 2010;588:369-73.

Fig. 1
Prototype of immunochromatographic test for detection of adenovirus. Test line (positive) and control line (validation).

Ethics in Research Committee

The study was approved by the Ethics in Research Committee of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo, No. 0126/2011.

Results and discussion

The precise diagnosis of a case of adenovirus infection is important in order to avoid the spread of the disease, especially in closed institutions, such as nurseries, hospitals, clinics, schools and places with crowds of people11 August MJ, Warford AL. Evaluation of a commercial monoclonal antibody for detection of adenovirus antigen. J Clin Microbiol. 1987;1987:2233-5.

2 Belfort R, Barbosa JB, Regatieri CVS, et al. Diagnóstico de conjuntivite adenoviral pelo RPS Adenodetector (2007). Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2007;70:441-4.

3 Ferone EA, Berezin EN, Durigon GS, et al. Clinical and epidemiological aspects related to the detection of adenovirus or respiratory syncytial virus in infants hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2014;90:42-9.

4 Levent F, Greer JM, Snider M, Demmeler-Harrison GJ. Performance of a new immunochromatographic assay for detection of adenoviruses in children. J Clin Virol. 2009;44:173-5.
-55 Lion T. Adenovirus infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2014;27:441.,88 Uchio MD, Aoki MD, Saitoh MD, Itoh N, Ohno S. Rapid diagnosis of adenoviral conjunctivitison conjunctival swabs by 10-minute immunochromatography. Ophthalmology. 1997;104:1294-9.

9 Udeh BL, Scheneider JE, Ohsfeldt RL. Cost effectiveness of a point-of-care test for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Am J Med Sci. 2008;336:254-64.
-1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5.,2222 Siqueira-Silva J, Harsi CM. Infection kinetics of human adenovirus serotype 41 in HEK 293 cells. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro. 2009;104:736-44.,2424 Puerari D, Camargo C, Guatura S, Watanabe AS, Granato AC, Bellei N. Aplicação de teste molecular para detecção de adenovírus em pacientes pediátricos distintos. Rev Paul Ped. 2015;33:136-41.

25 Sambursky R, Trattler W, Tauber S, et al. Sensitivity and specificity of the adenoplus test for diagnosing adenoviral conjunctivitis. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013;131:17-22.
-2626 Sambursky R, Tauber S, Schirra F, Kozich K, Davidson R, Cohen CJ. The RPS adeno detector for diagnosing adenoviral conjunctivitis. Ophthalmology. 2006 Oct;113:1758-64. as well as to avoid unnecessary use of medications.

Ideally, a diagnostic method for any infectious disease should be fast and inexpensive in the performance/outcome, have a good sensitivity/specificity ratio, and not require personnel with specialized training to perform it.99 Udeh BL, Scheneider JE, Ohsfeldt RL. Cost effectiveness of a point-of-care test for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Am J Med Sci. 2008;336:254-64. Udeh et al. (2008) estimated that approximately $400 million per year of health resources could be saved with an accurate diagnosis of adenoviruses associated with conjunctivitis in the United States alone. In addition, 1.1 million cases of inappropriate use of antibiotics would be avoided.99 Udeh BL, Scheneider JE, Ohsfeldt RL. Cost effectiveness of a point-of-care test for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Am J Med Sci. 2008;336:254-64.,1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5.

Viral isolation through cell culture remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of adenovirus because the isolation of the infectious agent is definitive. However, it is a time consuming technique, requires specialized personnel to perform, and has a high cost. The PCR technique is sensitive enough for detection, but it has a very high cost and requires highly qualified personnel for the diagnostic procedure.99 Udeh BL, Scheneider JE, Ohsfeldt RL. Cost effectiveness of a point-of-care test for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Am J Med Sci. 2008;336:254-64.,1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5.

In the case of immunocompromised patients, rapid direct test (viral protein screening) has an advantage over indirect ELISA (serology) test since patients under these conditions do not have levels of antibodies high enough to be detected.55 Lion T. Adenovirus infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2014;27:441.,1010 Watanabe A, Carraro E, Camargo C, Guatura S, Bellei N, Granato C. Human adenovirus detection among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting acute respiratory infection. Rev Soc Brasileira Med Tropical. 2013;46:161-5.

Levent et al. (2009) evaluated an immunochromatographic assay for adenovirus (SAS adeno-test) and observed a sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 98.9% for samples from children with influenza-like illness.44 Levent F, Greer JM, Snider M, Demmeler-Harrison GJ. Performance of a new immunochromatographic assay for detection of adenoviruses in children. J Clin Virol. 2009;44:173-5. Romero-Gomez et al. (2014) analyzed the Adeno respiratory card letitest (Leti diagnostics Barcelona, Spain) in 224 samples of children under 15 who attended an emergency room. When compared to PCR, the rapid test showed sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 73%. In addition, the researchers speculated that the low specificity of the test indicated that it could be used in clinical decision making during the period of greatest adenovirus replicative activity.2727 Romero-Gomez MP, Lopez RL, Montesa RG, et al. Immunochromatographic test fordetection of adenovirus from respiratory samples: is it a real solution for pediatric emergency department? J Virol Methods. 2014;195:236-9.

The antigen-capture immunochromatographic assay uses a strip consisting of three types of membranes (cellulose fiber, glass fiber, and nitrocellulose), mounted on a plastic support. In the strip, the cellulose fiber is located at the anterior and posterior ends, being interspersed by glass fiber and nitrocellulose. The test uses two antibodies that bind to different epitopes present in the molecule to be detected (analyte) (Fig. 1). One of the antibodies, labeled with a signal generator such as latex beads or colloidal gold, is called the detection antibody, while the second antibody is called the capture antibody. The detection antibody is placed in a dehydrated state on the glass fiber membrane, which will allow its instant dissolution upon contact with the aqueous medium containing the analyte. Under these conditions, the analyte binds to the antibody forming a complex, which migrates by capillarity on the strip until binding with the capture antibody, which was previously fixed on the nitrocellulose membrane. The cellulose fiber, located at the ends, provides the continuous flow of the complex. The color signal, generated by binding the complex to the capture antibody, is visualized as a line after 10-20 min and can be analyzed qualitatively and/or quantitatively. For control of the reaction, a specific antibody to the detection antibody is placed on the nitrocellulose membrane on the same strip. The reaction is considered positive when both test and control lines show the characteristic color after the reaction time.22 Belfort R, Barbosa JB, Regatieri CVS, et al. Diagnóstico de conjuntivite adenoviral pelo RPS Adenodetector (2007). Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2007;70:441-4.,44 Levent F, Greer JM, Snider M, Demmeler-Harrison GJ. Performance of a new immunochromatographic assay for detection of adenoviruses in children. J Clin Virol. 2009;44:173-5.,66 Paek SH, Lee SH, Cho JH. Development of rapid one-step immunochromatographic assay. Methods. 2000;22:53-60.,88 Uchio MD, Aoki MD, Saitoh MD, Itoh N, Ohno S. Rapid diagnosis of adenoviral conjunctivitison conjunctival swabs by 10-minute immunochromatography. Ophthalmology. 1997;104:1294-9.,2525 Sambursky R, Trattler W, Tauber S, et al. Sensitivity and specificity of the adenoplus test for diagnosing adenoviral conjunctivitis. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013;131:17-22.

26 Sambursky R, Tauber S, Schirra F, Kozich K, Davidson R, Cohen CJ. The RPS adeno detector for diagnosing adenoviral conjunctivitis. Ophthalmology. 2006 Oct;113:1758-64.
-2727 Romero-Gomez MP, Lopez RL, Montesa RG, et al. Immunochromatographic test fordetection of adenovirus from respiratory samples: is it a real solution for pediatric emergency department? J Virol Methods. 2014;195:236-9.

In our study, the processes of adenovirus antigen production and chromatography resulted in good purification of the material.1313 Kanegae Y, Makimura M, Saito I. A simple and efficient method for purification of infectious recombinant adenovirus. Jpn J Med Sci Biol. 1994;47:157-66.,1414 Nermut MV, Perkins WJ. Consideration of three dimensional structure of the adenovirus hexon from electron microscopy and computer modeling. Micron. 1979;10:247-66.,1818 Oostrum J, Smith PR, Mohraz M, Burnett RB. Interpretation of electron micrographs of adenovirus hexon arrays using a crystallographic molecular model. J Ultrastructure Mol Struct Res. 1986;96:77-90.,2020 Hongling Q, Zhichau Z. Eppitope mapping and cross reactivity analysis of monoclonal antibodies against hexon protein of human adenovirus type 3. Virus Res. 2009;146:58-65.,2222 Siqueira-Silva J, Harsi CM. Infection kinetics of human adenovirus serotype 41 in HEK 293 cells. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro. 2009;104:736-44.,2828 Nestola P, Silva RJS, Peixoto C, Alves PM, Carrondo MJT, Mota JPB. Adenovirus purification by two-column, size-exclusion, simulated countercurrent chromatography. J Chromatogr A. 2014;1347:111-21. Elution fractions of the hexon protein were found at the same concentrations as previously described.1313 Kanegae Y, Makimura M, Saito I. A simple and efficient method for purification of infectious recombinant adenovirus. Jpn J Med Sci Biol. 1994;47:157-66.

14 Nermut MV, Perkins WJ. Consideration of three dimensional structure of the adenovirus hexon from electron microscopy and computer modeling. Micron. 1979;10:247-66.

15 Peixoto C, Ferreira TB, Carrondo MJ, Cruz PE, Alves PM. Purification of adenoviral vectors using expanded bed chromatography. J Virol Methods. 2006;132:121-6.

16 Pichla-Gollon S, Drinker M, Rux JJ, Burnett RM, Bergelson JM. Structure-based identification of a major neutralizing site in an adenovirus hexon. J Virol. 2007;:1680-9.
-1717 Rux JJ, Burnett RM. Large-scale purification and crystallization of adenovirus hexon. Methods in molecular medicine, vol. 131: adenovirus methods and protocols, second edition, vol. 2: Ad proteins, RNA, lifecycle, host interactions, and phylogenetics,2020 Hongling Q, Zhichau Z. Eppitope mapping and cross reactivity analysis of monoclonal antibodies against hexon protein of human adenovirus type 3. Virus Res. 2009;146:58-65.,2222 Siqueira-Silva J, Harsi CM. Infection kinetics of human adenovirus serotype 41 in HEK 293 cells. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro. 2009;104:736-44. After immunoblotting, it was confirmed that the polyclonal serum of BALB/c mice contained specific antibodies against adenovirus hexon as previously described.1515 Peixoto C, Ferreira TB, Carrondo MJ, Cruz PE, Alves PM. Purification of adenoviral vectors using expanded bed chromatography. J Virol Methods. 2006;132:121-6.,2020 Hongling Q, Zhichau Z. Eppitope mapping and cross reactivity analysis of monoclonal antibodies against hexon protein of human adenovirus type 3. Virus Res. 2009;146:58-65.,2222 Siqueira-Silva J, Harsi CM. Infection kinetics of human adenovirus serotype 41 in HEK 293 cells. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro. 2009;104:736-44. The hexon immunization protocol used by Hongling et al. (2009) was satisfactory, since excellent humoral response was obtained in BALB/c mice and rabbits. Three hybridomas (6D-1G, 6D-4E, and 6D-7C) were maintained in culture and the antibodies produced were able to recognize cultured adenovirus (prototypes) 2, 3, 5, and 41 (Fig. 2). The cutoff value to determine the reactivity of different monoclonal antibodies was established by testing seronegative samples for adenovirus antibodies and multiplying the medium value by 2.1 (95% upper limit of variability). All hybridomas showed isotype IgG1 (data not shown).

Fig. 2
Indirect ELISA of purified monoclonal antibodies (individual and combined reactions against culture adenovirus prototypes 41, 3, 2, and 5).

In this study, when 6D-1G antibody (concentration 1.2 mg/mL with sucrose 3% and trehalose 2.5%) was tested, detection of adenovirus 2, 3, 5, and 41 was successful (Fig. 3). The fiberglass containing polyclonal antibodies (concentration 1.2 mg/mL) was superimposed on the nitrocellulose membrane (HiFlow Plus nitrocellulose 180). The diluent (0.01 M PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100 and 0.5% BSA) improved the migration rate of the sample. This format was promising since 100% sensitivity and 85% specificity was achieved in the detection of adenovirus in samples of pediatric patients already analyzed by IFD (Table 1). New assays with a larger number of samples are still needed to confirm this performance. Negative samples can be targeted for cell culture testing and PCR.

Fig. 3
Prototype of immunochromatographic test. C: control line. T: test line. Detection of cultured adenovirus (prototypes) 2, 3, 5, and 41 was successful.

Table 1
Comparison of a rapid test with direct immunofluorescence for detection of adenovirus directly in clinical specimens obtained from pediatric patients.

Conclusions

This first work aimed to describe in more detail the preparation of a prototype and did not intend to evaluate the test in its final format, although the preliminary results were quite encouraging. Once standardized in greater detail, this rapid assay prototype will have applicability in the accurate and rapid diagnosis of respiratory infections at the emergency room. Its use will bring benefits when there is suspicion of outbreaks, allowing the physician to prescribe immediate and appropriate treatment for the disease.

  • Funding
    Fapesp-Fundação de amparo a pesquisa do estado de São Paulo/SP/Brasil. Process number 2011/50100-6.

Acknowledgments

To Dr. Carlos Taborda (Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas) for allowing use of laboratory equipment. To Dr. Roxane Piazza (Departamento de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan) for providing laboratory facilities and protocols. To Dr. Pascal Fender and Daphna Fenel (Laboratoire de Microscopie Electronique Structurale - Grenoble/France) for assistance with transmission electron microscopy. Dr. A. Leyva provided English translation and editing.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Sep-Oct 2017

History

  • Received
    9 Dec 2016
  • Accepted
    29 Mar 2017
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