Parainfluenza 1/2/3 IgG ELISA

Enzyme immunoassay for the qualitative determination of IgG-class antibodies against Parainfluenza virus (Type 1, 2 and 3) in human serum or plasma (citrate, heparin). Parainfluenza viruses are important viral pathogens causing upper and lower respiratory infections in adults and children. The viruses belong to the family of Paramyxoviridae. They are enveloped singlestranded RNA viruses with spherical or pleomorphic shape. Parainfluenza viruses are relatively large viruses of about 150-300 nm in diameter. On the basis of antigenic differences they are divided into four subtypes, of which type 4 is divided into two subtypes. Parainfluenza virus 1 and 3 belong to the paramyxovirus genus. Parainfluenza virus 2, 4a and 4b belong to the rubella virus genus along with mumps. The virus is ubiquitous; infections occur as epidemics as well as sporadically. Parainfluenza viruses are sensitive to detergents and heat but can remain viable on surfaces for up to 10 hours. Transmission occurs via droplets, aerosols and fomites (viruses survive on surfaces). Parainfluenza virus infections are primarily childhood diseases, the highest age-specific attack rates for croup occur in children below the age of 3 years. Type 3 infections occur earliest and most frequently, so that ~50% of children are infected during the first year of life and almost all by 6 years, as determined by seroepidemiological studies. Antibodies against types 1 and 2 are acquired less rapidly but 80% of children have antibodies by 10 years of age. Type 4 viruses induce few clinical illnesses but infections are common, 70 - 80% of children have antibodies by 10 years of age. In all age groups, the incubation period appears to be five to six days. Croup or laryngotracheobronchitis is the commonest clinical manifestation of infection. Parainfluenza viruses are found uncommonly associated with other respiratory tract infections in children such as tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis, and bronchopneumonia. Occasionally, a mild non-specific illness is seen after parainfluenza virus infection. In adults, the virus is usually limited to causing inflammation in the upper parts of the respiratory tract.

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