The Use of Indirect Enzyme -Linked Immunosorbent Assay (IND-Elisa) for Monitoring Of Subclinical Infection of Pseudomonas pseudomallei In the Piggeries

Abstract: Based on both routine abattoir inspection methods for pig carcasses and bacterial culture three piggeries in Arys, northern Queensland Australia,were declared as being subclinically infected with Pseudomonas pseudomallei, and on the ground of public health the animal carcasses derived from the respective were condernned for human comsumption. In attempts to safeguard surrounding areas from contamination, the affected farms were isolated and the infection rates either in pigs among the affected piggeries or in any susceptible animals existing in the areas, such as goats were regularly monitored by employing an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IND-ELISA). Over a period of one year, tested serum samples were collected at an interval of 16 weeks simultaneously with abattoir inspections on slaughtered animals supplied by the respective piggeries. On the basis of seroreactivity determined by the IND-ELISA, gross pathological changes depicted by abscesses were found to be strongly associated (p<0,05)with serological evidence. It was also showed that cases of the disease appear to be localized in the three piggeries with previous history of the subclinical infections. However, neither goat herds nor pig farms with no history of subclinical melioidosis in the areas were detected to be seropositive. Furthermore it was noted that a number of seroreactors in the affected farms indicated during monsoon appeared to be significantly higher (p<0.01) than that detected during dry season.