Use of liquid phase ELISA kit for detection of antibodies against food-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in Colombia

Colombia has FMDV type O and type A in some regions with endemic characteristics. At present, the country is involved in the hemispheric plan for eradication of FMDV. To attain this objective, it is necessary to use modern techniques with high sensitivity and specificity as opposed to traditional serological tests. The use of liquid ELISA is of great benefit in places where prevention, control and eradication programmes for FMD are running. This technique gives more security because it is very sensitive and specific and the results are obtained on the same day. In addition, it does not need any cell culture nor a CO2 environment. The test is based on specific blocking of the liquid phase of FMDV antigen by antibodies in the test sample. After the test serum has been allowed to react with the plate coated with FMDV serotype specific trapping antibodies. The presence of antibodies to FMDV in the serum sample will result in the formation of immune complexes and, consequently, reduce the amount of free antigen trapped by the immobilized rabbit antisera. In turn, fewer guinea pig anti-FMDV detecting antibodies will react in the next incubation step. After the addition of enzyme labelled horseradish peroxidase, anti-guinea-pig Ig and substrate/chromogen solution, a reduction in colour development will be observed when compared to controls containing free antigens only