Standardization of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for avian influenza virus antibodies in turkeys.

The signal-to-noise ratio was useful in determining the optimal dilution of rabbit anti-turkey conjugate. Optimum dilution for rabbit anti-turkey conjugate to be used in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was 1:1,000. The avian influenza virus antigen concentration was 128 hemagglutinating units (0.3 microgram of protein) per well, as determined by checkerboard titration. Bovine serum albumin fraction V increased nonspecific binding of conjugate and was not used to coat the plates in subsequent tests. Using ELISA, nonspecific binding to avian influenza virus-coated plates were not found with antibodies to Newcastle disease virus, infectious bursal disease, Salmonella, or Escherichia coli. Chromogens o-phenenediamine, and 2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethyl-benz-thiazoline sulfonic acid) were almost equal in sensitivity for detecting released oxygen from the H2O2. The substrate plate was more sensitive than was the polystyrene plate. Dual wavelength was reliable in reading ELISA results.