Comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indirect fluorescent antibody test, and direct agglutination test for detecting Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in naturally aborted ovine fetuses

• Published in: Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation Vol. 1; no. 2; p. 124
• Main Authors: Seefeldt, S L, Kirkbride, C A, Dubey, J P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.04.1989
• Subjects: Abortion, Veterinary - diagnosis; Abortion, Veterinary - immunology; Agglutination Tests; Animals; Antibodies, Protozoan - analysis; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Gestational Age; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Sheep; Sheep Diseases - diagnosis; Sheep Diseases - immunology; Toxoplasma - immunology; Toxoplasmosis, Animal - diagnosis; Toxoplasmosis, Animal - immunology
• ISSN: 1040-6387
• DOI: 10.1177/104063878900100206

Results obtained in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA), and a modified direct agglutination test (MAT) for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies from examination of fetal fluids from 377 aborted ovine fetuses were compared. Sixty-seven samples were positive by MAT (titers 1:16 to greater than 1:65,536), 58 were positive by ELISA, and 62 were positive by immunoglobulin G-IFA. The MAT was preferred because it required less time, labor, and special equipment. It was simple to run, could be done on serum from any species without modification, and it was more effective than the IFA for detecting toxoplasma antibodies in severely autolyzed fetuses. No advantage was found in determining immunoglobulin M antibodies in ovine fetal sera.