IMMUNOASSAYS FOR DISCRIMINATING BETWEEN BRUCELLOSIS INFECTIONS AND VACCINATIONS

摘要

A method is disclosed for discriminating between cattle vaccinated against and those infected with Brucella spp. The method involves immunoassay using a purified polysaccharide containing 4,6-dideoxy-4-acylamido-D-mannopyranosyl units obtained from B. abortus or from cross-reacting organisms, and results in improved differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals. Test kits are also disclosed for performing the assay and a process is disclosed for obtaining the O-chain polysaccharides in high purity and yield.