Related Experiment Videos
[The detection of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV 1) using an intradermal test. II. Experimental studies]
O C Straub1, H J Bengelsdorff, G Wizigmann
1Bundesforschungsanstalt für Viruskrankheiten der Tiere, Tübingen.
Insights
This study evaluated a Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV1) antigen for diagnostic use. The antigen showed specificity and stability, but the test is not suitable for controlling vaccination programs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Infectious Disease Diagnostics
Context:
- Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV1) infections pose significant challenges in cattle farming.
- Accurate diagnostic tools are crucial for managing BHV1 outbreaks and vaccination efficacy.
Purpose:
- To assess the specificity and stability of a purified BHV1 antigen for intradermal testing.
- To determine the optimal reading time and limitations of this diagnostic test in cattle.
Summary:
- A BHV1 antigen demonstrated specificity and stability after prolonged storage at +4°C and 37°C.
- Optimal test results were observed 48-72 hours post-injection, consistent with field trials.
- The test's utility is limited for controlling vaccination programs due to decreasing skin thickness response and lack of correlation with antibody titers.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the performance and limitations of a BHV1 intradermal diagnostic test.
- Highlights the need for careful interpretation of results, especially concerning vaccination monitoring.
- Informs future development of reliable BHV1 diagnostic and epidemiological tools.
Abstract:
A purified concentrated BHV1 antigen that had been tested in field trials was also tested under isolated conditions in BHV1 positive and negative cattle. The antigen proved to act specifically even after storage for 2 years at +4 degrees C or for 6 months at 37 degrees C. The best results were obtained when the test was read 48-72 hours after the injection, which is in agreement with the field trials. The increase in skin thickness decreased unless boosted by infection or vaccination gradually. The test is unsuitable to control a vaccination programme. There was no correlation between the increase in thickness and humoral antibody titers. Repeated application of the intradermal injection of the antigen did not result in seroconversion in seronegative cattle. The biological limits of the test evaluation are discussed.