Rapid differential diagnosis of rinderpest and peste des petits ruminants using an immunocapture ELISA

An immunocapture ELISA for the diagnosis of rinderpest and peste des petits ruminants is described. Monoclonal antibodies directed against non-overlapping antigenic domains on the nucleocapsid (N) were used to detect the virus N protein in supernatants from infected cells and in field specimens. The assay, which is very sensitive, can be performed in one hour on pre-coated plates. There was no cross reaction between the two viruses in the test and the N protein could be detected in infected cell supernatants kept at ambient temperature for one week. These results show that the ELISA is suitable for routine diagnosis of field samples.