Latest developments in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the serologic detection of both antigen and antibody in monitoring programs of commercial poultry flocks have begun to be recognized as an improvement over more conventional diagnostic procedures. The feasibility of employing double-antibody sandwich assays for the detection of virus without prior isolation of virus has been demonstrated and shows promise as the method of choice for the detection of lymphoid leukosis virus shedding. The versatility of indirect ELISA for the measurement of antibody induced by a wide variety of potential pathogens using a single basic overlapping ELISA system has also been demonstrated. It shows potential as a likely candidate to replace some of the more costly and time-consuming or less sensitive conventional serologic methods that do not overlap. Although some aspects of the two major types of immunoassays currently used in poultry health may need some modifications or improvements before delivery for routine use, it is likely that the use of computer-assisted ELISA will gain increased acceptance and use as the preferred way to efficiently and accurately monitor the health of poultry flocks on a broad scale.