Diagnosis of bovine leukosis virus infection by solid phase radioimmunoassay for virus antibody.

Solid phase radioimmunoassay for detection of anti-BLV antibodies in sera of infected animals is described. Viral antigens bound to surface of polystyrene are able selectively adsorb the antibodies from serum. Detection of bound antibodies quantitatively was done by 125I-labeled protein A from Staphylococcus aureus. Technical details of the assay are reported. The assay could be used as competitive one as well. Two different methods for detection of anti-BLV antibodies were compared with solid phase RIA. The solid phase RIA is highly sensitive, specific and available for large-scale examination. The assay is recommended for early diagnosis of bovine leukosis.