Interlaboratory comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for detection of Bordetella bronchiseptica antibodies in guineaplgs

Thirty-nine guineapigs were examined for Bordetella bronchiseptica infection by culture and serology, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)and the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test. Each serological method detected evidence of B. bronchiseptica infection in more guineapigs than did culture. IIF using an antigen prepared from a mouse isolate of B. bronchiseptica detected fewer infected guineapigs than when performed with antigens prepared from B. bronchiseptica isolates from a rat, a dog and a guineapig. ELISA and IIF detected a comparable incidence of infection. Cross-reactivity was investigated further by carrying out ELISAs using 5 antigens prepared from B. bronchiseptica isolates from different species and antiserum to these antigens raised in non-infected guineapigs.