The development and evaluation of an ELISA for the detection of antibodies to caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus in goat sera

Authors: Oliver RE, Cathcart A, Schroeder BA
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 12, pp 213-215, Dec 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Goat, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Joint/arthrology, Viral, Syndrome, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection of antibodies to caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) in goat sera. The system was evaluated using some 1500 sera from flocks of known clinical history. From this data the interpretation limits of the system were determined. The ELISA system was compared with a gel precipitin test using 5800 sera. Of the positive sera, ELISA detected 97.3% and AGPT 61%. Further evaluation was made using 60 sera of known CAEV reactivity from the USA, and results agreed 100%. Indications are that antibody to the envelope glycoprotein gp135 is being detected. The ELISA system is more sensitive than the precipitin test and is presently being used in a CAEV flock accreditation scheme.

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