Comparative evaluation of select serological assays for Zika virus using blinded reference panels

The aim of this study was to compare assays for detection of immunoglobulin M and/or G (IgM or IgG) from multiple manufacturers. Panels of specimens for testing IgM and IgG assays were built using longitudinal samples collected from blood donors with viral RNA confirmed infections with ZIKV, dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV), respectively. Specimens IgM- or IgG-positive against chikungunya virus (CHIKV), of the genus alphavirus were also included, together with ZIKV-negative samples from endemic (Puerto Rico) and non-endemic (continental USA) regions. Panels were compiled, blinded, and sent to manufacturers for testing. Seven IgM and five IgG assays from four manufacturers were evaluated.