Evaluation of the ELISA test for the antibody detection in cattle naturally and experimentally infected with Cysticerccus bovis

The ELISA test was evaluated for the diagnosis of bovine cysticercosis using heterologous antigens from the larvae of T. solium and T. crassiceps, by using different types of positive and negative control sera, to allow a broader analysis of the results. The ELISA test showed low sensitivity under natural conditions of bovine cysticercosis manifestation, but high rates (up to 90%) under experimental conditions. The high specificity of the test (81-100%) made evident its capacity to differentiate cysticercosis from other bovine diseases. No difference in performance was found among the antigens studied. It was concluded that the ELISA test has deficiencies in detecting anti-cysticercosis antibodies of animals at slaughterhouse. However, it can be useful in detecting experimentally infected animals and differentiating cysticercosis from other bovine diseases.