Development of indirect ELISA for the detection of canine dirofilariasis

Objective To establish diagnostic method of ELISA on heartworm disease. Methods The raw protein of Dirofilaria immitis was separated by Sephadex G-200. All peaks of protein were collected and detected as ELISA antigen. The best experiment condition was determined through estimating the opitimal working concentration. Effect of the ELISA was estimated by compared with interruption test,cross-reaction test, sensibility and specificity test, repetition test and nosetiology method. Results It has been proved that the antigen had higher sensitivity, specificity and stability. There was no cross-reaction with Toxocara and Ancylostoma. And the 1∶25 600 antibody titer could be detected with purified antigen. Conclusion The ELISA could replace the parasite examination in dirofilariasis diagnosis in earlier period.