EVALUATION OF AN ENZYME-LINKED-IMMUNOSORBENT-ASSAY (ELISA) FOR DETECTION OF TAENIA-SAGINATA CYSTICERCOSIS IN CATTLE

Serum IgG response of cattle with cysticercosis caused by Taenia saginata was in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) where a T. saginata metacestode surface extract was used as antigen. In experimentally infected calves, a sharp rise in specific antibody levels was found 3-4 weeks after the infection followed by a slow decrease. Preinfection levels were reached 2.5 years after infection. The serological level of detection corresponded to about 2,5 cysts. The ELISA was employed in cattle herds where cysticercosis outbreaks had occurred and also in supposedly uninfected herds. Significantly increased antibody levels were found in the herds with massive cysticercosis cases. The test was not adapted for individual diagnosis as some animals of the uninfected herds, especially within the older age groups, had elevated antibody values. The ELISA was, however, useful in the investigation of outbreaks to determine the extent and pattern of the infection in the herd. The rate of decline in antibody levels in these herds was studied by follow up sampling. The increased antibody levels in the infected herds were also reflected in colostrum-fed calves. This observation was employed to estimate the time of infection.