[Experimental studies on the development of an antigen-capture test (Capture-ELIFA) for the detection of Coxiella burnetii in cow's milk as a possible alternative to animal studies].

A sensitive and specific Capture-ELIFA (Enzyme-linked-Immunofluorescent Assay) for the detection of Coxiella burnetii was developed using a monoclonal antibody and a rabbit immune serum, both directed against Coxiella burnetii, strain Nine Mile, phase I. A combination of centrifugation, Pronase-K-digestion and heat treatment proved to be advantageous for concentrating, exposure and inactivating of Coxiella antigens in milk samples. Using this method of sample preparation 4 x 10(3) coxiella particles/ml could be detected in experimentally contaminated milk samples by the optimized Capture-ELIFA. Preliminary results of comparative investigations indicate that the Capture-ELIFA is more sensitive than the inoculation of guinea pigs and subsequent detection of seroconversion.