Chromatographic test for biologically active substances aims to combat DEV

Duck producers of the world have been told that a test for biologically active substances associated with duck enteritis virus (DEV) could be created using membrane chromatography.

Writing in Virology Journal, a team from the College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan
Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province and Epizootic Diseases Institute of Sichuan Agricultural University detail their solution.

The membrane chromatography process makes use of the recombinant protein UL51 in purified form and the antibody molecule Immunoglobulin G, conjugated with colloidal gold.

With these elements acting in combination, an immunochromatographic strip (ICS) is created which can detect the biologically active substances associated with DEV.

The researchers say their ICS achieves rapid detecting of anti-DEV antibodies with high levels of sensitivity and specificity.

Virology Journal offers open access to the latest discoveries in combating the spread of viruses and is edited by Robert Garry of Tulane Medical School.