ELISA and the joint FAO/IAEA division Accomplishments and opportunities

摘要

The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an inexpensive yet sensitive and specific tool in the diagnosis of livestock diseases. The use of the ELISA can be associated with many efforts at reducing the enormous wastage of animals caused by infectious diseases. The use of this technology in developing countries was recommended in 1983 by a consultants meeting called by the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna. Since then, enormous resources have been committed towards the development and standardization of ELISA kits and their application, mostly in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The IAEA introduced training programmes, initiated regional research efforts, sponsored technical co-operation projects, provided ELISA readers and other equipment and dispatched experts/trainers to assist laboratories in developing countries. International standards for ELISA data expression and evaluation, reagent reference standards and an external quality assurance programme have been developed with assistance from consultants so that laboratories can meet minimal ELISA performance standards.