title: Development and application of an indirect ELISA test for the detection of antibodies to Mycoplasma crocodyli infection in crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus).
abstract: Non-availability of a standardized rapid serodiagnostic test for quick and accurate diagnosis of Mycoplasma crocodyli (M. crocodyli) infection in crocodiles was the underlining reason for conducting the present study. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) for the detection of antibodies (Ab) to M. crocodyli infection in crocodile sera was developed using sonicated antigen (Ag) and anti-crocodile conjugate. The iELISA test was optimised with different reagents and at different steps. A cut-off value of percent positive greater than or equal to 53.47% resulted in an estimated sensitivity and specificity of 85.67 and 100%, respectively. The developed iELISA could be used for detection of Abs to M. crocodyli infection in crocodiles and may enable to understand the transmission of the disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paraclinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box 167, Harare, Zimbabwe. dawobf@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Fufa
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dawo
authors.forename: Krishna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mohan
mesh_terms: D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles; D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D009174:Mycoplasma / Q000276:immunology*; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial