Use of Elisa in Detection of Norovirus

ELISA is Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. It is defined as a biochemical technique mainly used to detect the presence of an antibody or an antigen in a sample. It is used as a diagnostic tool. Doing an ELISA involves at least one antibody with a specific or a particular antigen. It is also known as an Enzyme ImmunoAssay or (EIA).

The ELISA is used to detect the presence of particular protein material or antigen in a serum sample. There are many methods to perform this test. Firstly, the general indirect ELISA for determining serum antibody concentrations. Secondly a Sandwich ELISA. Thirdly a competitive ELISA.

The competitive ELISA is performed through aggressive binding. These steps, of this test, are fairly different from those other two tests. In this the unknown antibodies are nurtured in the existence of their antigens. These complexes contain the antibody and antigens are then put in a well with antigen coated. After this the antibody is uninvolved by washing the plate. The logic behind this is more antigen would there be in a sample, less antibody would be capable to attach to the available antigens in the antigen well, hence there will be “competition”. Next the less important antibody particular to the main antibody is further added and this less important antibody gets attached to the available enzyme. In the next step a solution is further added resulting in the remaining uncoupled enzymes drawing out a fluorescent signal.

The ELISA test is a serological test which can detect the presence norovirus antigen in a person even if the person is a carrier. Though an expensive test it is a good tool to determine the presence of other infective pathogens as well. So if ELISA is used judiciously the spread of multiple contagions in many spheres and not only the food and beverage section can be prevented. All care givers including nurses, doctors, people who are in contact with a large number of people during the day can be spreading contagion by direct contact. So ELISA test performed on these individual will stop the proliferation of diseases.