Sensitivity of BSE Tests in Canada
Author Information
Author(s): John G. Gray, Sandor Dudas, Stefanie Czub, Jason Bartz
Primary Institution: Creighton University
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the analytical sensitivity of four commercially available BSE rapid-test kits compared to two confirmatory tests.
Conclusion
All BSE rapid tests evaluated are suitable for targeted surveillance programs and meet European performance requirements.
Supporting Evidence
- The confirmatory SAF Immunoblot displayed the highest analytical sensitivity.
- The IDEXX® HerdChek™ EIA was found to be the most sensitive among the rapid tests.
- All rapid tests performed within a 2 log10 range of one another.
- Detection limitations were determined by fitted curves intersecting the manufacturers' positive/negative criteria.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well different tests can find BSE in cattle, and found that all the tests work well enough to be used in Canada.
Methodology
The study involved serially diluting BSE-positive material in a background of BSE-negative material and evaluating the performance of various rapid-test kits and confirmatory tests.
Potential Biases
Potential variability in test results due to subjective interpretation of western blot results.
Limitations
The study results are based on experimentally generated C-Type BSE and may not reflect the performance on naturally occurring BSE.
Participant Demographics
The study involved BSE-positive and BSE-negative bovine brain tissues.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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