The use of an indirect ELISA with protein G-peroxidase conjugate and a blocking ELISA to demonstrate recent bluetongue infection in sheep.

Journal article

The humoral immune response of sheep infected with bluetongue virus serotypes 3, 9 and 16 was monitored by plaque inhibition (PI), blocking ELISA (BELISA) and indirect ELISA over a period of 63 days post-infection. Results indicated that testing of a single plasma or serum sample by both a BELISA and an indirect ELISA using a recombinant streptococcal protein G (PrG) peroxidase conjugate enabled an assessment of the proximity of a recent infection based on the failure of PrG to bind ovine IgM class antibodies. When BELISA and indirect ELISA results were expressed as a ratio, values indicative of recent infection (> or = 5) were observed for an average duration of 16.5 days (range 8 to 23 days) following the initial detection of antibody by BELISA. This approach has potential to improve diagnosis of a wide range of virus infections by providing an indicator for the relationship of serological status with a recent infection. However, where reinfection may occur, as with bluetongue virus, alternative methods may be required for definitive diagnosis.

Authors: Lunt, R; Blacksell, S; Newberry, K

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of virological methods
• Volume: 48
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 53-63
• Publication date: 1994-06-01
• DOI: 10.1016/0166-0934(94)90088-4
• EISSN: 1879-0984
• ISSN: 0166-0934
• Language: English
• Keywords: Bluetongue virus; Serotyping; Convalescence; Animals; Bluetongue; Time Factors; Antibodies, Viral; Male; Sheep; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay