Bacucheck ™ ELISA

Infections with type 2 porcine circovirus (PCV-2) are very common in pigs. All age groups can be affected and the symptoms are very complex (PMWS, PRDC, PDNS). As the virus also frequently acts as a co-factor or predisposing factor to other pathogens, the term PCVAD (PCV-2 associated disease) is widely used.

In diagnostics, the detection of pathogens is mainly by PCR. A test for antibodies of the IgG sub-class is also suitable for detecting the early phase of a PCV-2 infection. However, it has been difficult to differentiate between vaccinal and field antibodies. BacuCheck™ is a simple ELISA test for confirmation of vaccination status with Porcilis PCV of piglets.

Proof of vaccination

Over the past few years vaccination during the 3rd/4th week of life has become established as an essential prophylactic measure against PCV-2. Thus, it is an important mark of quality for the pig breeder to be able to prove that his animals have been vaccinated successfully and in good time.

Although vaccines against PCV2 infection have proved highly effective, antibodies against PCV2 can be detected in most pigs in the field. The BacuCheck ELISA test was developed to be able to differentiate PCV2-vaccinated piglets from non-vaccinated animals. The test is also able to verify whether the animals have received the full vaccine dose.

How Bacutest ELISA works

The test detects antibodies against baculomarkers used in the production of the structural capsid protein(3) ORF2 component of Porcilis PCV, and are thus able to differentiate between the field virus and vaccine antigen. By using this laboratory test, piglet producers and traders are able to certify PCV2-vaccinated piglets.

The detection of both anti-baculomarker antibodies and anti-ORF2 antibodies is done in 2 different tests, the BacuCheck ELISA and the Synbiotics Serelisa® PCV-2 Ab Mono Blocking ELISA. The proportion of positive samples (qualitative in the BacuCheck test) and their titer (quantitative in the Synbiotics test) forms the basis for offering advice whether or not piglets have been vaccinated properly. Proof of adequate vaccination requires at least 80 percent of animals testing positive with a lower limit for the antibody titer of 0.3. Test results are available 1-2 days after sample arrival and are provided to the farmer or trader by e-mail. BacuCheck can be used on piglets from 5-12 weeks of age, provided that vaccination with Porcilis PCV took place at 3 weeks of age.

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