Use of the ELISA for determination of IgG anti-Pasteurella multocida serum level in rabbits vaccinated against pasteurellosis

The aim of the experiment was to determine, using the ELISA and gel diffusion precipitin test, the antibody serum level in rabbits immunised with vaccines comprising P.multocida antigens of serotypes 3 and 12 with two adjuvants: oil (Cunipastivac E) and aluminium hydroxide gel (Cunipastivac A). The ELISA revealed an increase in specific lgG levels against P. multocida and the positive precipitin reaction with somatic antigens of both serotypes used for vaccine preparation. The ELISA titre did not alter during a three-month experimental period; however, the level of precipitins decreased. Comparison of the two methods revealed that the gel diffusion precipitin test is more sensitive but it is most likely that the methods used did not detect the same antibodies.