S. RAMYA, PUGALENDHI, G. DHINAKAR RAJ AND M.S. SHAMA
Abstract
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) infection causes a frequently fatal systemic disease in a broad range of carnivore species, including domestic dogs. Various virologic and serologic methods are used for the diagnosis of the disease. In this study, competitive ELISA with monoclonal antibodies and mono-specific rabbit serum was used to detect the antibodies of CDV in dogs aged from 3 to more than 12 months. A total of 70 serum samples were tested, of which the cELISA showed a maximum of 79.4% antibodies to CDV with rabbit serum. Maximum prevalence of antibody was observed in the dogs of age group between 10-12 months. However there was no correlation between the prevalence of CDV antibodies and the ages of dogs sampled. The result also indicates that vaccinated dogs produced a maximum number of positive (82%) with rabbit serum than the unvaccinated dogs. The cELISA was 68.5% sensitive and 75% specific. Further, it has been confirmed that the competitive ELISA and was highly specific and sensitive and practically applicable method to detect CDV antibodies.