Evaluation of immunochromatographic test strips for rapid diagnosis of neonatal calf diarrhoea

The aim of the paper was to assess the utility of immunochromatographic test strips for the diagnosis of calf diarrhoea. The results obtained using strips were compared with those obtained using standard laboratory methods on the same panel of samples. Fifty-two faecal samples were collected from 52 diarrhoeic calves and inmunochromatographic test were applied on the farm. In the laboratory, samples were tested for Escherichia coli F5 by cultivation and PCR, rotavirus and Coronavirus by antigen capture ELISA and Cryptosporidium spp. by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Observed agreement was outstanding except for the particular case of Coronavirus that was moderate. The results suggested that rapid commercial tests are a promising method for an initial approach to diagnosis of calf diarrhoea.