[Complement fixation reaction for the serologic diagnosis of bovine contagious pleuropneumonia: application and interpretation of the results]

Abstract

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC (small colony variant), is a disease which has been recognised for a long time. Serological testing is used most often for diagnosing CBPP in live animals. This method is based on a complement fixation test (CFT), the technique recommended by the Office International des Epizooties, which has an important role in detecting infected herds in regions known to be affected by the disease. Although this serological test is the most reliable method currently available, it has some major shortcomings in sensitivity and specificity. The author discusses the reasons for these limitations, which can raise difficulties in the interpretation of CFT results, and the possibilities and potential applications of the test.