Abstract

This study was performed to compare indirect fluorescence antibody (IFA) test with competitive ELISA (cELISA) for detection of antibodies to Anaplasma marginale in cattle. In this study, a total of 484 cattle were examined on farms that had a positive history of anaplasmosis. Thin blood smears were prepared from each examined cattle and the cELISA and IFA tests were performed. Samples in which the results of microscopic examination and cELISA were compatible were used as a “gold standard” to define sensitivity and specificity of IFA test and these were used to give “real diagnosis”. According to the test result; 62 of 69 samples found positive in “real diagnosis” were positive in IFA test, and all of the 187 samples that were negative in the real diagnosis were defined as negative in IFA test. When compared to gold standard the sensitivity and specificity of the IFA test were 88.95 and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, both IFA and cELISA tests can be used in the diagnosis of A. marginale.

Key words: Anaplasma marginale, IFA test, cELISA.