INDIRECT FLUORESCENT-ANTIBODY TECHNIQUE AS A METHOD FOR DETECTING ANTIBODIES IN ABORTED FETUSES

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 43  (3) , 255-261
Abstract
The indirect fluorescent antibody [IFA] technique was used to titrate antibodies [Ab] in bovine sera to parainfluenza 3, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus and bovine viral diarrhea virus. The results were compared to those determined on the same samples by hemagglutination inhibition [HAI] for parainfluenza 3 virus and serum neutralization [SN] for bovine virus diarrhea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus. The results of the serological methods agreed closely. The IFA technique is a rapid and sensitive method for detecting Ab and the procedure lends itself to use in diagnostic laboratories. The presence or absence of Ab to bovine coronavirus and bovine adenovirus 3 were determined by the IFA technique in thoracic fluids from 100 aborted fetuses and 50 non-aborted fetuses. Results on the samples were not compared to HAI or SN as the condition of fluid samples from aborted fetuses renders interpretation of such tests unreliable. Ab to 1 or more viruses were detected in 30 of the 100 aborted fetuses and in 7 of the 50 non-aborted fetuses. Ab to more than 1 agent were detected in 11 of the 100 aborted and in 1 of the 50 non-aborted fetuses. Reasons for this occurrence and application of the test in determination of causes of abortion were discussed.