Detection of Viral Antigens of the Densonucleosis Virus by Antibodies Labeled with Peroxidase Enzyme

Abstract

This report describes a relatively new technique for detecting and localizing viral antigens within infected cells. The method involves the attachment of horseradish peroxidase to viral antibody and treatment of the infected cells with this complex (Kurstak et al., 1969; Leduc et al., 1969; Wicker and Avrameas, 1969). The antibody-peroxidase complex binds specifically with the viral antigen within the cell and its site can be visualized by adding 3,3′-diamino-benzidine, which reacts with the peroxidase, resulting in the precipitation of a colored compound. The location of the viral antigen can then be observed using a standard light microscope or an electron microscope.