Detection of bovine herpesvirus type 1 via an immunoperoxidase method, using monoclonal antibodies

The sensitivity and specificity of the immunoperoxidase technique, using monoclonal antibodies, for the detection of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) was assessed and compared with viral isolation methods. In this study, BHV-1 antigens were detected in impression smears of brain obtained from calves in which BHV-1 was isolated. False-positive results were not observed after double-blind examination. Preliminary identification of isolates as antigenic variants was possible by use of 3 monoclonal antibodies reactive with neurotropic and/or pneumotropic strains of BHV-1. Results were consistent with previous work in which characterization was performed by use of immunofluorescense and ELISA. The immunoperoxidase technique, using monoclonal antibodies, was determined to be specific and sensitive, compared with viral isolation, for the diagnosis of BHV-1 encephalitis. In addition, it has operative advantages in that the assay does not require tissue culture facilities, and results can be obtained within hours after specimens are obtained.