Rapid detection of rinderpest virus antigens by counter-immunoelectrophoresis.

Counter-immunoelectrophoresis was compared with immunodiffusion for its ability to detect rinderpest virus antigens. Counter-immunoelectrophoresis detected antigens in lymph node biopsies from all of 9 infected cattle whereas immunodiffusion detected them in 8 only. Counter-immunoelectrophoresis was between 4 and 16 times more sensitive than immunodiffusion for detecting rinderpest virus antigens in the tissues of diseased animals and could detect positive reactions within 40 min. Counter-immunoelectrophoresis could offer an opportunity for rapid laboratory confirmation of rinderpest.