The Relationship Between Anti-Ascaridia Galli Antibody Levels in the Egg Yolk and Number of Excreta Worm Eggs by ELISA Test

Ascaridia galli is one of the most abundant nematode parasites of poultry. This study aimed at determining the relationship between the levels of anti-A. galli in the egg yolks and number of worm eggs in the hens' excreta, which can then be used to develop a new method to detect A. galli infection in layer hens. The procedures to optimize the performance of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti-A. galli antibodies in egg yolks were also examined. The results showed that blocking buffer with BSA (99%) diluted at 0.5%, secondary antibodies diluted at 1/15,000 and egg yolk samples diluted at 1/3,000 and 1/12,000 were optimal to maximize the performance of ELISA assay. Although anti-A. galli antibody levels in the egg yolk was not highly correlated with worm egg counts, ELISA test is still a potential method to detect A. galli infection in laying hens.