An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of anti-Bacillus piliformis serum antibody in rabbits.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described for the detection of rabbit serum antibody directed against the causative agent of Tyzzer's disease, Bacillus piliformis. Ninety-four percent agreement was found between the ELISA and an indirect fluorescent antibody test. The sensitivity of the ELISA was 95% and its specificity was 92% as compared to the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The rabbit origin B. piliformis isolate used in this ELISA was found to be cross-reactive by ELISA and IFAT to B. piliformis isolates of rat, gerbil and horse origin. This suggests that a single B. piliformis isolate may be used as antigen for an ELISA utilizable for multiple species.