Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

What is the function of agar gel immunodiffusion assay in veterinary diagnostics?

1. To isolate viral pathogens

2. To identify specific bacterial cultures

3. To detect certain proteins in tissue samples

4. To assess inflammation levels in tissues

The correct answer is: To detect certain proteins in tissue samples

The agar gel immunodiffusion assay is primarily utilized for the detection of specific proteins, such as antibodies or antigens, in biological samples. This technique involves the diffusion of these proteins through a gel medium, allowing for the formation of precipitin lines when specific antigens and antibodies interact. This property makes it particularly valuable in veterinary diagnostics, as it helps identify infections or diseases based on the presence of corresponding proteins associated with certain pathogens. The other options do not align with the primary function of this assay. For instance, isolating viral pathogens typically requires cell culture techniques or molecular methods rather than an immunodiffusion approach. Similarly, identifying specific bacterial cultures is more suited to culture methods or biochemical tests. Finally, assessing inflammation levels in tissues is generally done through histopathological techniques or measuring specific inflammatory markers, rather than with an immunodiffusion assay.