Use of antigen-detection immunoassays in assessment of trypanotolerance in N'Dama cattle

Evaluates possible contributions of the antigen-detection enzyme immunoassays (ELISA) for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma vivase, T.congolense, and T.Bucei infections in N'Dama cattle in Gabon, Central Africa. The assays are based on monoclonal antibodies which recoginse trypanosome antigens specific for each of the three species, and animals are termed "antigenaemic" when found positive by this technique but not found parasitaemic by the buffy coat technique. Suggests that the ELISA could offer a practical possibility for selection of trypanotolerant cattle based on infection criteria.