Optimal paradigms to detect reservoirs of equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV)

Today, control of equine infectious anemia (EIA) depends on the accuracy an d use, in officially regulated laboratories, of the agar gel immunodiffusio n (AGID) test that detects antibody against the major EIAV core protein p26 , EIAV surface unit and transmembrane glycoproteins, gp90 and gp45 respecti vely, also stimulate antibodies that recognize highly conserved group-speci fic determinants. In most new infections, antibodies against gp90 are detec ted first, followed by those against p26 and then gp45, Generally, the firs t positive test in each of the official testing formats is seen within 45 d ays of exposure, In immunoblot tests, antibodies against gp90 are the most abundant. The immunoblot test detects antibody against multiple antigens an d is the most sensitive serologic indicator of infection with EIAV, Experie nce with official ACID and ELISA-based test kits in a variety of situations has allowed the design of optimal paradigms for the serologic diagnosis of EIA. The strengths of the available ELISA-based test kits (sensitivity, ac curacy of interpretation, and multiple antigens) and the specificity of the ACID test are both capitalized upon. An additional advantage of the ELISA kits is potential for adaptation to field use. Our success in reaching rese rvoirs of EIAV may depend on wider acceptance of horse-side testing, in pra ctical and affordable formats, especially for use in remote rural areas.