Antigen requirements and specificity of a microplate enzyme-lined immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Marek's disease viral antibodies in chicken, mouse and rabbit sera.

A rapid indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies against Marek's disease virus in mouse, chicken and rabbit-sera has been established. Optimal sensitivity was obtained by using 10 micrograms/ml of partially purified viral proteins. Various experimental procedures performed to eliminate nonspecific reactions are described. Best results were obtained by the introduction of NP 40 at a concentration of 0.1% in sera. With mouse sera, the pretreatment of plaques with poly-L-lysine before antigen fixation substantially reduced the occurrence of nonspecific reactions.