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

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.