title: Detection of Clostridium botulinum types C and D toxin by ELISA.
abstract: An ELISA to detect Clostridium botulinum type D toxin was developed using polyclonal antibodies to a semi-purified toxic complex of the neurotoxin. Sensitivity of the ELISA for detecting type C and type D toxin compared with mouse inoculation was 70% and specificity 96% on samples from animals with botulism diagnosed on clinical signs and herd history. However, both mouse inoculation and the ELISA failed to detect toxin in many animals with a presumptive diagnosis of botulism. Some cross-reaction was seen with Clostridium novyi type A, but not with other clostridial species. While the ELISA described here cannot replace mouse inoculation for the diagnosis of botulism, it is a useful additional test.
authors.affiliation: Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Animal Research Institute, Yeerongpilly.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D001717:Birds; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000032:analysis*; D001906:Botulism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D002417:Cattle; D002645:Chickens; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004285:Dogs; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006736:Horses; D051379:Mice; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012756:Sheep
chemical_list: D001905:Botulinum Toxins