Bluetongue virus antigen and antibody detection, and the application of laboratory diagnostic techniques.

Despite the significant advances that have been made in molecular techniques, the traditional approach using biology-based test procedures is still the mainstay for the laboratory confirmation of clinical diagnoses. The serological and virological techniques available for the detection and identification of bluetongue virus and antibody fall into two categories; those that are serotype-specific and those that are serogroup-specific. Although several assay methodologies have been described and used, thought should always be given to their use in different epidemiological situations and to the interpretation of results obtained therein.