Description

INTENDED USE
The Calbiotech Measles IgG ELISA Kit is intended for the detection of IgG antibody to Measles in human serum or plasma.

SUMMARY AND EXPLANATION 
Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease. Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. Measles is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people or, less frequently, by airborne transmission. Measles symptoms generally appear in two stages. In the first stage, the individual may have a runny nose, cough and a slight fever. The second stage begins on the third to seventh day and consists of high fever and red blotchy rash lasting four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body. Symptoms usually appear in 10-12 days, although they may occur between 8-13 days after exposure. The presence of IgG antibody to measles virus is indicative of previous exposure or vaccination. In individuals with acute measles, a significant increase in measles IgG antibody level is indicative of recent infection. IgM antibodies to measles virus are often detectable with onset of the rash and typically persist for 4 weeks. At least 80% of patients will be positive for measles IgM at 6 days and 100% at 16 days after onset of symptoms.

PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST
Diluted patient serum is added to wells coated with purified antigen. IgG specific antibody, if present, binds to the antigen. All unbound materials are washed away and the enzyme conjugate is added to bind to the antibody-antigen complex, if present. Excess enzyme conjugate is washed off and substrate is added. The plate is incubated to allow the hydrolysis of the substrate by the enzyme. The intensity of the color generated is proportional to the amount of IgG specific antibody in the sample.