Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of Cryptosporidium parvum IgG in the serum of cats

J Parasitol. 1997 Oct;83(5):957-60.

Abstract

The objective was to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Cryptosporidium parvum IgG in the serum of cats. The ELISA was an indirect ELISA using soluble C. parvum oocyst antigens and a peroxidase-labeled anti-feline IgG secondary antibody. Sera from cats with Toxocara felis, Giardia spp., Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Isospora felis, Isospora rivolta, Toxoplasma gondii, or Taenia spp. infections were assayed in specificity studies. Following optimization, the ELISA and fecal examination for oocysts were performed on samples from 170 client-owned or humane society source cats and 1 cat inoculated orally with C. parvum oocysts. Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were detected in feces (4/170; 2.4%), and C. parvum IgG was detected in serum (26/170; 15.3%) from naturally exposed cats. The seroprevalence data suggest that some cats in the geographical area studied were exposed to C. parvum, but persistent oocyst shedding was less common. The ELISA is not useful for predicting oocyst shedding in individual cats.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology
  • Cat Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Cat Diseases / immunology
  • Cats
  • Colorado / epidemiology
  • Cross Reactions
  • Cryptosporidiosis / epidemiology*
  • Cryptosporidiosis / immunology
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / immunology*
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / isolation & purification
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary*
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Prevalence
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Immunoglobulin G