Evaluation of direct fluorescent antibody test for the diagnosis of bovine genital campylobacteriosis.

The direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT) for the diagnosis of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis was assessed for its detection limit, observer effect, sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the specificity of the fluorescent conjugate was tested against Campylobacter sp, Arcobacter sp, Helicobacter sp, E. coli and other bacteria from the preputial flora. Ten - fold dilutions of C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354 in PBS or preputial washings with or without centrifugation were used. All experiments were done in duplicate by three observers. Positive and negative controls were included in each assay. The detection limits of DFAT were 10(4) CFU/ ml for PBS and non - centrifuged preputial washings and 10(2) CFU/ ml for centrifuged preputial washings. There was no observer effect. The sensitivity and specificity of DFAT were 92.59% and 88.89%, respectively. The DFAT was observed to be sensitive, specific and the effect of experienced observers was minimal on test performance.