Diagnosis of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Abstract

An indirect double-antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for rapid detection of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). The detection limit of the assay was 70 plaque forming units (PFU) of virus in fish (Salmo salar ) tissue homogenate derived from 100 mu g of tissue. Viral antigen could be detected in both tissue homogenates and fluid from infected cell cultures. Four types of IHNV cross-reacted with antibodies used in the ELISA, enabling detection of any of the tested types. The assay will allow the detection of virus-infected fish within a day.