Background:
Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by NDV affecting almost all species of birds of different age groups worldwide. Depending upon the pathotype involved and the susceptibility of the flock, the virus causes respiratory diseases, drop in egg production and mass mortality in endemic areas. Conventional detection of the disease is slow, laborious and require an undesirable use of in-vivo techniques. Hence, a recombinant antigen based single serum dilution ELISA has been designed to measure the relative level of antibody to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in chicken serum. Technology Details The assay is useful to assess the immune status of vaccinated birds and management of large flocks. It can monitor the efficacy of live and killed vaccines. The innovation has the following advantages: • Recombinant antigen based single serum dilution ELISA reduces the reagent costs and increases the number of samples to be screened. • Has excellent diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. • A total of 45 sera samples in duplicate can be analyzed and their antibody titres quantified with sufficient accuracy in a single microtiter plate, whereas in serial dilution ELISA only 8 – 10 samples can be analyzed. • The recombinant antigen is non-infectious and free from risk of bio-hazard. The test is very specific as it avoids cross reactivity among related proteins. • The recombinant antigen is specific for all pathotypes of the virus. • The kit is available in the form of recombinant antigen coated ELISA plates with a shelf life of 6 months under refrigerated condition. Indian patent has been granted with the number 325899 dated 26.11.2019 (IP owned by ICAR).