Use of monoclonal antibodies specific for the ā determinant of K88 pili for detection of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in pigs

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies directed against the ā determinant of K88 pili from porcine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli which react with all three K88 variants have been produced. These antibodies have been used for diagnosis of porcine enterotoxigenic E. coli in a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with sensitivity to 50 ng of pilus protein per ml.