Answer to Question #105068 in Microbiology for Kylie

Question

Briefly describe Two techniques ideal for identification of viral pathogens

Answer 1

If antibodies against the virus are present in the specimen, they will bind to the immobilized antigen. The bound antibodies are then detected by using a second antibody that binds to the first antibody. ELISA is used in both experimental and diagnostic virology.

The use of flow cytometry to characterize viruses was actually pioneered decades ago with the construction of a homemade flow cytometer to detect glutaraldehyde- or formaldehyde-fixed T2 phages, which are elongated viruses (approximately 70 nm wide and 200 nm long)