Serological survey of canine distemper virus infection using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

For detection of antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed using a crude extract from cells infected with the Onderstepoort strain of CDV as antigen. Twenty-six sera from dogs experimentally vaccinated with the Snyder-Hill strain of CDV were compared by ELISA and a standard virus neutralization (NV) test. Since a good correlation between the titers obtained by both tests was observed, ELISA was considered to be a rapid and reliable method for a serological survey of CDV infection. When a total of 167 sera from dogs suspected of canine distemper under natural conditions were examined by the ELISA, 29 of the sera (17%) were found to have low VN antibody titers and high ELISA titers. The reason for the discrepancy in the titers was discussed.