Expression of the S genom e segm ent of H antavirus H8205 and Application of the Expressed Polypeptide for Diagnosis of HFRS

The S genome segment encoding the nucleocapsid protein (truncated) of Hantavirus H8205 was amplified by PCR and cloned into the expression vector pGEX 3X and expressed in E coli. SDS PAGE showed that the expressed fusion protein (GST NP) was mainly in the form of inclusion body. The expressed protein was used as diagnostic antigen in solid phase enzyme immunoassay. The assay was used to detect IgG and IgM antibody in sera of HFRS patients originated from different geographic regions of China. The results revealed highly sensitive and specific. The successful expression and application of recombinant nucleocapsid protein of Hantavirus provides cheap, safe and sensitive antigen for the diagnosis of HFRS in China.