A novel antigen capture ELISA for the specific detection of IgG antibodies to elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus.

摘要: Elephants are classified as critically endangered animals by the International Union for Conservation of Species (IUCN). Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) poses a large threat to breeding programs captive Asian elephants causing fatal haemorrhagic disease. EEHV infection is detected PCR in samples from both clinically ill and asymptomatic with an active infection, whereas latent carriers can be distinguished exclusively via serological assays. To date, identification has been challenging, since there no assays capable detecting seropositive elephants. Here we describe novel ELISA that specifically detects antibodies circulating elephant plasma/serum. Approximately 80 % positive display EEHV-specific antibodies. Monitoring three herds European zoos revealed serostatus within herd varied non-detectable high titers. The antibody titers showed typical herpes-like rise-and-fall patterns time which occur all more or less simultaneously. This study shows developed suitable detect specific EEHV. It allows seroprevalence Results confirm prevalence among (whether captive-born wild-caught) high.