Evaluation of recombinant bluetongue virus antigens, using dot immunobinding assay with serum from sheep and cattle

Abstract

Objective - To evaluate 2 genetically engineered group-specific antigens: baculovirus- and yeast-expressed VP7 and the conventionally produced group-specific antigen of bluetongue virus (BTV), using dot immunobinding assay (DIA). Sample Population and Procedure - A total of 260 serum samples of sheep and cattle from various livestock farms in different Indian states (eg, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan) were tested for the presence of BTV antibodies by DIA. Results - Of 260 sera tested, 92 (35%) were positive for BTV antibodies using the baculovirus-expressed antigen, 96 (37%) were positive using the yeast-expressed antigen, and 103 (40%) were positive by use of conventionally produced antigen. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance - The overall agreement for all the 3 antigens was 92%, indicating that the recombinant group-specific proteins can be used for serodiagnosis of BTV, using DIA.