[Development of an IgY-based assay for the detection of ascaris-suum-antigens]

The presented paper describes the development of a coproantigen-test for the detection of ascariosis in pigs using vitelline chicken antibodies. The method used for these investigations was an indirect two-sided-enzyme-immuno-assay (EIA), which was set up as follows: Affinity-purified rabbit antibody was bound to the microtiter-plate as the catching antibody. After the faeces extract to be tested followed the primary antibody, which was a roughly purified avian antibody (IgY). This again could be detected by an enzyme-conjugated antispecies antibody. Sensitivity was high as 5 nanograms antigen per milliliter buffer could be detected. Cross-reactions with antigen of other intestinal parasites occuring in pigs did not become obvious. Cross-reactions with ascarids of other species were demonstrated as expected. The employment of avian antibodies in a two-species EIA promises high sensitivity as unspecific reactions seldom occur because of the phylogenetic difference between birds and mammals.