An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of anti-chlamydial antibodies in pig sera

The evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies against chlamydiae in pig sera is described. The most widely used serological test is the complement fixation test (CFT). The CFT has a lack of sensitivity and specificity because of low antibody titers and unspecific reactions. Eight conventionally raised pigs were exposed to a pathogenic strain of Chlamydia suis, four controls were mock infected. The immune responses was monitored by CFT and indirect ELISA. There was no agreement between CFT and ELISA data. These results were confirmed by a study with 191 sera from nine pig farms. As shown by ELISA and PCR chlamydiae are widespread in swine.