PRIOCHECK~(R) TRICHINELLAAB, A NEW HIGHLY SENSITIVE AND SPECIFIC ELISA FOR THE DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST TRICHINELLA SPP. IN SERUM AND MEAT JUICE OF PIGS

摘要

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease which is found throughout the world and is caused by the nematode Trichinella. The PrioCHECK~(R) Trichinella Ab is a diagnostic kit based on ELISA technology for the detection of antibodies directed against Trichinella spp. in serum and meat juice samples of pigs and was developed for surveillance, monitoring and certification purposes. The PrioCHECK~(R) Trichinella Ab follows a four step protocol, consisting of sample preparation, sample incubation, conjugate incubation, and detection. The excretory/secretory antigen (E/S antigen) as the major antigenic protein complex is coated on the ELISA plate. Serum or meat juice samples are incubated on the plate. A peroxidase (POD) labelled anti-pig antibody is used for the detection of antibodies bound to the E/S antigen. Color development using TMB substrate measured optically at a wavelength of 450 nm shows the presence of antibodies directed against Trichinella spp. We have performed an in-house validation study using 464 Trichinella negative and 59 Trichinella positive serum samples from pigs. The diagnostic status of the samples was confirmed by artificial digestion or standard E/S ELISA from reference laboratories. Based on these serologically confirmed samples,the PrioCHECK~(R) Trichinella Ab showed a sensitivity and a specificity of 100%. There was no cross reactivity observed with commonly found pig parasites such as Ascaris, Trichuris, Hyostrongylus and Strongyloides. We conclude that the PrioCHECK~(R) Trichinella Ab ELISA represents a valuable tool for monitoring, surveillance and certification purposes as suggested in the regulation EC 2075/2005 and according to the US Trichinae certification program.