Which serological assay is considered the reference standard for measuring type-specific neutralizing antibodies against dengue viruses and for confirming protection after vaccination?
- A Plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) ✓
- B NS1 antigen capture ELISA
- C IgM capture ELISA
- D Hemagglutination inhibition test
Correct answer: A. Plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT)
Explanation
PRNT measures the ability of patient serum to neutralize virus and prevent plaque formation in cell culture, and it can be performed separately against each dengue serotype, making it the accepted gold standard for type-specific neutralizing antibody assessment and post-vaccination immunogenicity studies. IgM and NS1 assays diagnose acute infection but say nothing about neutralizing capacity, and hemagglutination inhibition suffers from extensive cross-reactivity between flaviviruses and between serotypes.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.