Development of protein A-gold immunoelectron microscopy for detection of bovine coronavirus in calves: comparison with ELISA and direct immunofluorescence of nasal epithelial cells

A protein A-colloidal gold immunoelectron microscopy (PAG-IEM) technique was developed for the detection of bovine coronavirus (BCV) in the feces and nasal secretions of infected calves. Feces or nasal swab fluids were incubated sequentially with hyperimmune bovine anti-bovine coronavirus serum and protein A-gold, negatively stained, applied to formvar-coated copper grids and viewed using an electron microscope. The PAG-IEM method specifically identified BCV particles and possible subviral particles in feces and nasal-swab fluids from infected calves. The PAG-IEM method did not label other enveloped enteric viruses or morphologically similar fringed particles commonly found in feces. Detection of BCV using PAG-IEM was compared with ELISA and direct immunofluorescence (IF) of nasal epithelial cells by monitoring fecal and respiratory tract shedding of BCV from two experimentally infected and two naturally infected calves from birth to 3 weeks of age. PAG-IEM and ELISA detected shedding of BCV in fecal (4/4 animals) and nasal (3/4 animals) samples for an average of 5.25 days each. The observed agreement of BCV detection by PAG-IEM and ELISA was 85%. PAG-IEM may be a more sensitive immunoassay for the detection of BCV in diagnostic specimens from infected neonatal calves than ELISA. BCV infection of nasal epithelial cells was detected by immunofluorescence in 4/4 calves, persisted for the duration of the study in 2/4 calves and was sporadic in the other two animals. The observed agreement of BCV detection by PAG-IEM and IF was 57%.     

Development of monoclonal antibody ELISA for simultaneous detection of bovine coronavirus, rotavirus serogroup A, and Escherichia coli K99 antigen in feces of calves.

A rapid ELISA was developed for simultaneous detection of bovine coronavirus (BCV), rotavirus (RV) serogroup A, and Escherichia coli K99 antigen in feces of calves. A mixture of 3 monoclonal antibodies specific for BCV, RV, or K99 was used successfully to capture the antigens; the same antibodies labeled with peroxidase were used to detect BCV, RV, or K99. The triple ELISA was compared with standard reference diagnostic methods by examining feces from experimentally and naturally infected and healthy calves. All the components of the test were highly specific (greater than 90%) and sensitive (BCV, 77%; K99, 93%; RV, 100%) when used in a format requiring short incubation steps at 20 C and visual recording of results.     

Detection of porcine rotavirus by EM, ELISA and CIET

Feces samples from swine-herds with severe problems of neonatal diarrhoea, 3 weeks scours or early weaning diarrhoea were examined for porcine rotavirus using three techniques: EM, ELISA and CIET. Infection with rotavirus was found in about one third of the feces samples, representing more than half of the examined swine-herds. EM and ELISA revealed nearly all the samples found to be positive, while CIET as used here detected only half of them.     

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of the coronavirus-like agent and its antibodies in pigs with porcine epidemic diarrhea

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection of the coronavirus-like agent in feces of pigs naturally affected with porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) or experimentally infected with the CV777 isolate. The assay was specific and more sensitive than electron microscopy. An ELISA blocking assay is described for the detection and titration of antibodies. Specific antibody formation was demonstrated in pigs experimentally infected with CV777 and in swine naturally affected with PED.     

Evaluation of ELISA and electron microscopy for the detection of coronavirus and rotavirus in bovine faeces

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was compared with electron microscopy in the examination of faeces from experimental calves and showed 100 per cent agreement in the detection of 19 bovine coronavirus and 15 bovine rotavirus electron microscope positive samples. In a limited field survey of calf diarrhoea 75 selected faeces were examined independently by ELISA and electron microscopy and the agreement between the two tests was 95 per cent for coronavirus and 84 per cent for rotavirus. A further comparison was made with 74 samples submitted for routine diagnosis and this yielded agreements of 82 per cent (coronavirus) and 89 per cent (rotavirus). Factors contributing to discrepant results were examined and the relative advantages and disadvantages of the two tests for routine detection of these enteric viruses are discussed.     

PEDV、TGEV、RV多重RT-PCR检测方法的建立与应用

为了快速准确诊断猪流行性腹泻病毒 (PEDV)、猪传染性胃肠炎病毒 (TGEV)、猪轮状病毒(RV)引起的猪腹泻病,通过设计三对引物,建立了扩增PEDV、TGEV、RV的多重RT-PCR方法,用于临床上大量腹泻病料的鉴定。该方法特异敏感,能同时检测PEDV、TGEV、RV,而对猪瘟病毒、猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒、猪伪狂犬病毒、猪圆环病毒2型病毒、乙型脑炎病毒、猪细小病毒等无扩增,检测的抗原稀释极限为107。用于35个猪场120份临床样品的检测,PEDV阳性率占37.5%,TGEV阳性率占0.75%,RV阳性率占1.25%。PEDV阳性病料测序结果分析表明,与近几年分离毒株亲缘关系较近,与经典毒株和疫苗株亲缘关系较远。结果表明建立的多重PCR方法特异性强、敏感度高,能用于临床诊断及流行病学调查。     

Performance of a Johne's disease enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay adapted for milk samples from goats.

Antibody detection-based tests for paratuberculosis offer speed and economy, 2 diagnostic test attributes important to animal industries with narrow profit margins. Application of such tests to individual milk samples instead of serum samples can further improve testing efficiency and decrease testing cost. Accuracy of a commercial bovine paratuberculosis enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) adapted for use on goat serum and milk samples was determined. Fecal, blood, and milk samples were collected from 159 goats belonging to 2 Wisconsin goat herds with a prior history of paratuberculosis and 1 herd of 50 goats from a paratuberculosis-free Wisconsin herd. Fecal samples were cultured using the modified BACTEC 12B media. Sera were tested according to the manufacturer's instructions for bovine samples. Milk samples were centrifuged and mixed with the ELISA kit's Mycobacterium phlei-containing diluent at a ratio of 1:2. Using fecal culture as the "gold standard," the sensitivity of the ELISA on goat serum was 64% and the sensitivity of the ELISA on goat milk was 48%. The milk ELISA had higher agreement with fecal culture results (kappa = 0.525) than the serum ELISA (kappa = 0.425). ELISA specificity was 100% on both serum and milk. Regression analysis also showed good correlation between serum and milk S/P values (r2 = 0.67). Although less sensitive, the ELISA on goat milk samples appears to offer a useful, low-cost alternative for detection of goats with paratuberculosis that have progressed to the stage of shedding M. paratuberculosis in their feces.     

Comparison of two methods for detection of transmissible gastroenteritis virus in feces of pigs with experimentally induced infection

An indirect, double-antibody sandwich-type ELISA for detection of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) was developed, using a solid phase of rabbit hyperimmune serum and a pool of 3 antipeplomer monoclonal antibodies to trap and to detect the virus, respectively. The technique was used to detect viral antigen in feces of pigs that had been infected with the virulent Miller strain, the attenuated Purdue strain, or the Erica strain (a Dutch field isolate) of TGEV. The results were compared with those of a solid-phase immunosorbent electron microscopy (SPIEM) technique for virus detection. Both techniques detected shedding of virulent virus in feces obtained from pigs on the first or second day after infection, and virus excretion continued for 6 to 8 consecutive days. Virus shedding started later in pigs infected with the attenuated Purdue strain of TGEV and lasted only 2 to 4 days. In comparison with the 2 virulent strains, infection with the attenuated strain appeared to be limited to a smaller portion of the small intestine. Of 242 fecal specimens that were tested by use of ELISA and SPIEM, 119 had positive results in both tests. Additionally, virus could be detected by ELISA in 21 and by SPIEM in 16 specimens. Fecal specimens obtained from pigs before infection always reacted negatively by ELISA for TGEV antigen; there was no cross-reactivity with fecal specimens containing porcine rotavirus or porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. The ELISA and SPIEM were found to be specific and sensitive for the detection of TGEV in feces.     

检测猪乙型脑炎病毒抗体间接ELISA方法的建立与应用

以乙型脑炎病毒(JEV)弱毒疫苗株作为诊断抗原,对ELISA反应条件进行优化,初步建立了检测猪乙型脑炎病毒血清抗体的间接ELISA方法。应用该法检测从江苏、安徽、山东、浙江4省部分地区收集到的1089份血样,对华东地区猪乙型脑炎血清流行病学进行初步调查。结果JEV抗体阳性率为68.2%,其中,种猪JEV抗体阳性率为82.1%,商品猪JEV抗体阳性率为62.6%。从中随机抽取135份血样与国产商品化试剂盒进行比较,间接ELISA方法的特异性和敏感性分别为92%和96.4%,2种方法的符合率为95.6%;与NS1蛋白包被建立的ELISA比较,两者的符合率为97.7%;同时,本法的阳性检出率显著高于临床普遍使用的乳胶凝集试验结果。由此表明,本试验建立的间接ELISA方法具有较高的敏感性和特异性,适于大规模猪乙型脑炎血清流行病学调查。     

Detection and molecular characterization of porcine group C rotaviruses in South Korea

Group C rotaviruses (GCRVs) cause acute diarrhea in humans and animals worldwide and the evidence for a possible zoonotic role of GCRVs has been recently provided. However, there is little evidence of porcine GCRV infections or of their genetic diversity in South Korea. We examined 137 diarrheic fecal specimens from 55 farms collected from six provinces. RT-PCR utilizing primer pairs specific for the GCRV VP6 gene detected GCRV-positive reactions in 36 (26.2%) diarrheic fecal samples. Of these, 17 samples (12.4%) tested positive for porcine GCRVs alone and 19 samples (13.8%) were also positive for other pathogens. Other enteric pathogens except for GCRV were detected in 64 feces samples (46.7%) and no enteric pathogens were evident in 37 feces samples (27.0%). Phylogenetic and sequence homology analyses of GCRV partial VP6 gene between 23 Korean and other known porcine GCRVs demonstrated that Korean strains belonged to the porcine lineage. Furthermore, one Korean porcine strain shared the highest nucleotide (89.7–89.0%) and deduced amino acid sequence (92.9–93.9%) identities with bovine GCRV strains and was placed in the bovine GCRV lineage indicative of bovine origin. In conclusion, porcine GCRV infections are widespread in piglets with diarrhea in South Korea. The infecting porcine GCRVs mostly belong to the porcine lineage with the exception of one bovine-like GCRV, which possibly originated from bovine GCRV due to interspecies transmission.     

Verification of sensitivity and specificity of group a rotavirus detection in piglets faeces with monoclonal blocking ELISA methods

Monoclonal antibodies to group A rotavirus Vp6 protein were prepared and used for verification of three blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) modifications to detect rotavirus A. Selected competitive blocking ELISA (CB-ELISA) and electron microscopy (EM) were used for examination of 194 field faecal samples of piglets affected with diarrhoea. Rotavirus was detected in 43 samples (22.2%) by CB-ELISA method, whereas in 26 (13.4%) samples by EM examination. However, of 26 samples positive by EM, rotavirus A was detected by CB-ELISA in 19 (73.1%) samples; indicating the share of group A rotavirus in all cases of gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus. The sensitivity and specificity of the CB-ELISA was verified both by inclusion of control samples containing transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) in each analysis and by comparative examination of samples with the commercial ELISA kit. The CB-ELISA sensitivity was positively affected by examination of samples in the presence of chelating agent.     

双抗夹心—ELISA诊断牛隐孢子虫病

为了建立双抗体夹心—ＥＬＩＳＡ检测牛粪便中隐孢子虫卵囊抗原的方法。采用抗小球隐孢子虫（Ｃ．ｐａｒｖｕｍ）卵囊壁单克隆抗体,经对６０头份牛粪便样本分别进行抗酸染色和双抗夹心—ＥＬＩＳＡ检测,结果抗酸染色法检出１２头份有隐孢子虫卵囊,而ＥＬＩＳＡ除对抗酸染色阳性的１２份粪样判为阳性外,还对抗酸染色阴性的４份粪样判为阳性,且不与牛球虫、牛结肠小袋纤毛虫发生类属反应。此外,本试验在稀释液中加入ＥＤＴＡ,并增加了反应温度,使得试验在抗体包被板并封闭后３０ｍｉｎ结束整个检测过程。结果表明,双抗体夹心—ＥＬＩＳＡ是敏感性高、特异性强的诊断牛隐孢子虫病的方法。     

Comparison of direct electron microscopy and enzyme immunoassay for the detection of rotaviruses in calves, lambs, piglets and foals

Direct electron microscopy (EM) and enzyme-immunoassay (rotazyme) results for the detection of rotaviruses in 346 enteric specimens from calves, lambs, piglets and foals were compared. The rotazyme test was at least 3 times more sensitive than direct EM in diagnosing infection. Rotavirus antigen was demonstrated by rotazyme in 22% of 280 scour samples and in 27% of 66 samples from non-scouring animals. There was an association between diarrhoea and higher amounts of rotavirus antigen. This prevalence of rotaviruses detected in animals with diarrhoea highlights the significant involvement of other pathogens identified in the study including Eimeria, Cryptosporidia, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, and other viruses.     

Detection of rotavirus in horses with and without diarrhea by electron microscopy and Rotazyme test

A total of 142 equine fecal samples (93 field fecal and 49 experimental fecal specimens) were examined for rotavirus using direct electron microscopy (EM) and the Rotazyme test. Eighty-six stool specimens were diarrhea samples. The Rotazyme test sensitivity and accuracy as compared to EM was determined by the visual (color reaction) and spectrophotometric methods. The overall agreement was 94.8% and 92.3% between EM and Rotazyme visual and spectrophotometric methods, respectively when suspect reactions (1 + color reaction or net absorbance between 0.05 and 0.1) were not included. The Rotazyme test is a quick, simple, and accurate diagnostic test for detection of rotavirus in equine fecal samples. It could be used by the equine practitioner with a minimum of laboratory facilities and by diagnostic and research laboratories.     

Enzyme linked immunoassay and fluorescent antibody techniques in the diagnosis of viral diseases using staphylococcal protein-A instead of anti-gamma-globulins

Staphylococcal protein-A (SpA) is known to interact with the crystallizable fragment (Fc) of IgG molecules from several species. In the present study, SpA coupled to either fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) or peroxidase was used in place of antisera to IgG for the fluorescent antibody (FA) techniques and the enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA). The SpA conjugates produced low background staining when applied in these techniques, and provide a rapid, highly specific and sensitive means for the identification of viral isolates and the detection of serum antibodies. Moreover, SpA is a single reagent that replaces various preparations of anti-gamma globulin against many species. SpA-FITC conjugate was successfully applied for the identification of pseudorabies virus, hog cholera virus, swine vesicular disease virus, transmissible gastroenteritis virus, porcine parvovirus and porcine enteroviruses. Antibody titers against the mentioned viruses could be determined semi-quantitatively in the indirect FA test with SpA-FITC. In our laboratory the ELISA became a routinely practicable serological test for the detection of antibodies only after we introduced SpA-peroxidase as a marker for the IgG.     

The isolation, propagation and characterization of tissue-cultured equine rotaviruses

From 105 field cases of diarrhea in neonatal or young foals, rotavirus was detected by electron microscopy (EM) and/or by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the feces of 65 foals on 16 different premises. ELISA was performed with Rotazyme test kits developed by Abbot and Company for the detection of rotaviruses. Twenty-four field isolates from the feces of diarrheic foals with equine rotavirus infection as ascertained by EM were placed in MA-104 cell cultures after pretreatment of the viral suspension with 10 micrograms ml-1 of trypsin and incorporation of 0.5 micrograms ml-1 or 1 microgram ml-1 of trypsin in Earle's minimal essential medium (MEM), 2% lactalbumen hydrolysate, and antibiotics. The isolates that replicated in cell culture produced varying degrees of cytopathic effect. After the 24 isolates had been transferred 5 or 7 times in cell culture, viral particles were observed in 17 by EM, and 22 had positive ELISA tests as determined by visual color chart and spectrophotometric readings. Concentrated tissue-cultured viral antigen of 9 isolates fixed complement using Nebraska calf diarrhea rotavirus calf antiserum while four isolates gave negative results. The same 13 tissue-cultured viral suspensions failed to fix complement using reovirus antiserum. The 9th passages of two isolates (EID1 and EID2) yielded titers of 10(4.45) ml-1 TCID50 and of 10(4.95) ml-1 TCID50, respectively, as measured by cytopathic effect. After 13 tissue-cultured passages, 2 other isolates, EID3 and EID4, each had titers of 10(6.2) ml-1 TCID50 and of 10(5.95) ml-1 TCID, respectively. Cytoplasmic or intranuclear inclusions were not seen in any cells of the MA-104 infected cell cultures. Small, but distinct, plaques in MA-104 cell cultures were produced by the EID1 isolate. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis tests of EID1 and EID2 isolates at the 9th cell passage and EID3 and EID4 isolates at the 13th cell passage each showed that the RNA genome had 11 segments with a migrating pattern that was identical for each isolate and characteristic of rotaviruses. These 4 equine tissue-cultured isolates when tested by ELISA, utilizing a monoclonal antibody serum pool that cross-reacted with many rotavirus isolates, each gave positive values comparable to rotavirus antigen controls.     

Performance studies of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting Staphylococcus aureus antibody in bovine milk

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting Staphylococcus aureus antibody in bovine milk samples was examined for repeatability. A set of 51 bovine milk samples from 4 universities with confirmed culture results was assembled, and a panel of 30 milk samples was randomly selected. When the selected panel was tested at the collection laboratory, there was 97% agreement between the ELISA and the culture test. The panel was tested with the ELISA by the 4 university laboratories. Results were scored by both visual and optical density reader methods. When compared to reference ELISA results, the university laboratory ELISA results showed an agreement of 99.8% for negative samples, 98% for positive samples, and 99% for all samples. Additional studies on 19 milk samples that cultured positive for bacteria other than S. aureus showed 100% specificity. Overall comparison of ELISA and culture results showed high agreement between the 2 techniques. Disagreement appeared to result from explainable differences in antibody and bacterial levels and not from errors in either of the 2 techniques.     

伪狂犬病病毒变异株gC抗体间接ELISA检测方法的建立及初步应用

本研究旨在建立变异伪狂犬病病毒FJ-2012株gC蛋白抗体间接ELISA检测方法,掌握不同猪场猪群的gC抗体水平情况。将FJ-2012株gC基因连接至pCzn1载体,转染至Arctic express(DE3)感受态细胞,IPTG诱导表达产物经SDS-PAGE和Western blot验证,通过矩阵法试验、临界值的确定、特异性试验、重复性和敏感性试验,建立PRV-gC抗体间接ELISA检测方法,并对源于不同猪场的280份血清进行PRV-gC抗体检测。结果表明,成功表达获得FJ-2012株pCzn1-gC重组蛋白;建立的间接ELISA方法的最佳抗原包被浓度为10 μg·mL^-1和最佳样品血清稀释比例为1∶50,阴性和阳性判定的OD_{650 nm}临界值为0.406~0.438,介于之间的判定为可疑;临床检测结果显示,120份盲样猪血清PRV-gC抗体阳性率为91.67%、PRV-gB抗体阳性率为95.00%,两种抗体检测结果的整体符合率为95.83%;PR不稳定的猪场血样PRV-gC抗体阳性率为96.25%(77/80),而PRV已净化的种猪场血样PRV-gC抗体阳性率为78.75%(63/80)。因此,建立的PRV变异株gC抗体间接ELISA检测方法为临床猪血清抗体检测提供了特异、灵敏和稳定的技术,也为开展变异PRV血清学调查奠定基础。     

Comparison of electron microscopy and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the diagnosis of avian reovirus and rotavirus infections.

Electron microscopy (EM) and genome electropherotyping by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for the detection of avian rotaviruses and reoviruses in intestinal specimens and cell cultures were compared. Fifty-eight field samples of intestine with intestinal contents, referred to as direct specimens, from turkey and chicken flocks located in different regions of California and submitted during 1989 for virus isolation were randomly selected as test samples. Also, 38 field intestinal specimens with suspected viral infection that had been passaged three times in primary chicken embryo kidney (CEK) cell cultures were used in their third passage. The percentage of agreement and the Kappa statistic of positive and negative results between these two tests were calculated. In the comparison, EM was considered the standard test. By statistical analysis, an agreement of 87% was observed in cell-culture samples analyzed by the two virus-detection methods, as contrasted with an agreement of 72% for direct specimens. The analysis of the number of segments and band migration profiles of reference and field virus strains indicated that only reoviruses replicated in CEK cell cultures and mainly rotaviruses were detected by both tests in direct specimens. The Kappa statistic analysis indicated substantial agreement (0.69) between the two tests for CEK samples, with moderate agreement (0.45) for the direct specimens examined.