4688

An Enzyme Linked Immuno Assay (ELISA) has been developed to detect Mycoplasma hyorhinis (MHR) a bacteria commonly found in the respiratory tracts on pigs and an occasional cause of polyarthritis and polyserositis in young pigs. The MHR ELISA is able to detect simultaneously, and under the same assay conditions, IgG and IgA antibodies in serum and oral fluids.  Absence of cross reactivity with other Mycoplasma and high sensitivity are seen as the main advantages of the MHR ELISA.

Ready for use as a diagnostic tool with additional development needed to use as a vaccine

MHR-associated disease has recently been identified as one of the main concerns of the U.S. pork industry and has been diagnosed in nearly every production system in which it has been investigated. The MHR ELISA of this disclosure (based on a chimeric polyprotein of variable MHR polyproteins) has potential as a vaccine and as a tool to assess population status, monitor pathogen circulation, and guide the timing of interventions in swine populations affected with MHR-associated disease.  Concurrent detection of MHR antibodies in serum and oral fluid specimens by  ELISA  will  provide antemortem  diagnostics,  surveillance methods, and  pertinent  information  to   practitioners  concerning vaccination  or antibiotic intervention  timing, resulting in better  management  strategies for swine production systems. Consequently, the result will be enhanced production efficiency and animal well-being associated with improved animal health.
In addition to the diagnostics benefits of the chimeric polyprotein, there is potential to develop the polyprotein as a vaccine capable to confer broad immunity to many MHR strains. The contributors are seeking funds to advance their vaccine studies.

• Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity

• Absence of cross-reactivity against other Mycoplasma

• No other related Mycoplasma ELISA available in the marketplace

Patent(s) Applied For