Comparing the suitability of the serologic tests in diagnose Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Abstract

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection in chickens results in significant economic losses because it reduces egg production. Chickens infected with MG are stated to have a higher susceptibility to other disease agents. Therefore it is vital to monitor the presence of MG in layer farms. Monitoring through serological tests is the easiest option to apply. Rapid Agglutination Serum (RSA) is an option because of its fast and inexpensive application. In addition, ELISA has also been used to confirm the RSA test. This study compares the suitability of two serological tests, the RSA and ELISA. Serum samples of 155 taken from laying hens were tested by RSA and ELISA. RSA test results obtained 99 (63.9%) seropositive and 105 (67.7%) ELISA seropositive. As many as 68 (64.8%) were seropositive on the RSA and ELISA tests, while 19 (38%) were seronegative. The proportion of conformity by the Mc Nemar test between the RSA and ELISA tests did not show a significant difference of 0.545 (P>0.005). The kappa value between the two serological techniques was low (k=0.027). The statistical analysis results of these two serological tests show that these two tests can be used as initial monitoring for screening for MG.