Evaluation of latex agglutination test for rapid detection of goat poxvirus antigen and antibodies.

Soluble antigen fraction of goat poxvirus (GPV) separated from infectious viral particles by ultracentrifugation of skin scab suspensions prepared from experimentally infected goats was employed for the first time to diagnose goat pox. The antiserum raised against this fraction was found to be specific and not reactive with healthy goat skin extracts. Subsequently, a latex agglutination (LA) test has been developed and standardized for the rapid detection of GPV antigen or antibody in skin scab suspensions or serum samples, respectively. In comparison to the counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) test the LA test was more sensitive in the detection of GPV antibodies, but equally sensitive in the detection of GPV antigen. The LA test can be taken for a simple and quick diagnostic tool for primary screening of goat pox.