Detection of antibody in Aleutian disease of mink: comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and counterimmunoelectrophoresis
Wright, P.F.; Wilkie, B.N.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 43(5): 865-868
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 6283966 Document Number: 192497
Experiments were undertaken to investigate the potential of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a screening test for the diagnosis of the 2 known naturally occurring forms of Aleutian disease of mink. Anti-Aleutian disease virus (ADV) antibody activity was not detectable in the serum of mink with nonprogressive Aleutian disease despite the demonstration of antibody by counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) in the same serum. Anti-ADV antibody was detectable in 93% of serum samples from mink at various stages of experimentally induced progressive Aleutian disease. False-negative reactions occurred in serum which demonstrated high anti-ADV antibody titres by CIEP. As a consequence of the high prevalence of false-negative reactions, the ELISA was not considered to be an effective screening test. However, using CIEP as an indicator of ADV infection, the ELISA may be useful in differentiating mink with non-progressive Aleutian disease from mink with progressive Aleutian disease.