Detection of varicella-zoster virus-specific IgA antibodies in varicella and zoster patients and in healthy adults of various ages by solid-phase radioimmunoassay

The varicella-zoster virus(VZV)-specific serum immunoglobulin A(IgA) response was studied in varicella and zoster patients and in healthy adults of various ages by a sensitive solid-phase radioimmunoassay technique. Significant rises in VZV-specific IgA titer were found for both varicella and zoster patients, while VZV-specific IgA was also detected in greater than 90% of healthy adults but at lower titers. No significant decrease in VZV-specific IgA titer with increasing age was found. The role of humoral versus cell-mediated immunity in VZV reactivation is discussed.