ABSTRACT
The suitability of blood collected on filter papers in comparison with corresponding conventional serum samples in the diagnosis of bovine anaplasmosis was studied using the Complement Fixation Test (CFT); DOT-ELISA; Western immunoblot and Rapid Card Agglutination Test (RCAT). Dried blood on Whatman filter paper no. 1 was eluted in 1.8 ml of PBS 0.05pc Tween 20 given an initial dilution of 1:100. The reactivity in both DOT-ELISA and Western immunoblotting was similar to that obtained with the sera diluted 1:100. Filter paper samples gave lower reactivity in all the tests as compared with corresponding serum samples. There was no significant difference in the reactivity between the eluates from filter papers stored at room temperature and those stored at 4 degrees C. Storage at room temperature did not significantly affect reactivity for up to 6 months. Eluates from filter papers stored for 6 months at room temperature continued to give similar reactivity to those from freshly prepared filter papers in both DOT-ELISA and Western blot; and in the Rapid Card Agglutination Test. It is concluded that collecting blood on filter papers is a suitable technique for large-scale screening and for seroepidemiological studies on anaplasmosis; and offers many advantages especially in developing countries where transport and cold chain facilities are a major constraint