Amperometric immunosensor for diagnosis of BLV infection

A new amperometric immunosensor for detection of antibodies against bovine leukemia protein (gp51) was designed. The detection of antibody–antigen complex formation was based on application of secondary antibodies labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Ferrocenecarboxylic acid (FCA) and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) were selected as suitable mediators for this immunosensor. Optimal conditions for amperometric detection were found. Sensitivity of created system was compared with the results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) reaction, and was sufficient for detection of usual anti-gp51 antibody concentration present in the blood serum of BLV-infected cattle.