Group-reactive ELISAs for detecting antibodies to African horsesickness and equine encephalosis viruses in horse, donkey, and zebra sera.

This research article discusses the development of a reliable enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to detect antibodies related to African horsesickness virus (AHSV) and equine encephalosis virus (EEV) in horses, donkeys, and zebras.

Article’s Objective and Methods

• The objective of this study was to develop ELISAs that recognise AHSV and EEV-specific antibodies in the sera of equids, more specifically, horses, donkeys, and zebras.
• In the experimental setup, they used settled guinea pig antisera for all known serotypes of AHSV and EEV.
• In order to test the ELISAs, they were employed alongside other testing methods such as complement fixation (CF) and agar gel immunodiffusion on serum samples collected from different field animals.

Findings from the Study

• The researchers found that antisera from animals, which were naturally infected, did not cross-react with their respective heterologous viruses. This pointed towards the specificity of the developed ELISAs.
• During testing, ELISAs efficiently categorised the serum samples in relation to whether they contained antibodies against AHSV, EEV, or both of the viruses.
• The researchers noted that ELISAs were particularly beneficial in cases where CF tests couldn’t yield results due to anticomplementary activity.
• Interestingly, the study found that zebras and donkeys, which are potential subclinical carrier animals, indeed carried AHSV or EEV antibodies. However, the reaction of antibodies with the viruses varied; some reacted with one while others with both.

Significance and Future Scope

• Considering the successful results, it was suggested that the developed ELISAs can be used in upcoming epidemiological studies where the functionality involves dealing with a large number of serum samples.
• Alongside, this research also provides ways to identify the potential subclinical carrier animals in Africa, thereby benefitting the targeted treatment plans and performing a necessary population check for controlling the prevalence of these diseases.