Development of elisa and rt-pcr assays for rapid and sensitive detection of imperata yellow mottle virus infecting maize in burkina faso

Imperata yellow mottle virus (IYMV) is an emergent devastating plant viruses infecting maize in Burkina Faso. So, for further epidemiological studies and control of this virus, rapid, sensitive and specific methods are necessary. Two reliable serological assays [Indirect Antigen-Coated Plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IACP-ELISA) and indirect double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IDAS-ELISA)] and a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques were developed and compared for IYMV detection. Purified virion from a confirmed IYMV source was used as the immunogen to produce polyclonal antibodies elicited in rabbits and chickens against the virus. Two highly specific antibodies were produced and used for ELISA tests. IACP-ELISA and IDAS-ELISA were highly sensitive and specific for detecting IYMV in local sample collected in field. However, IDAS-ELISA system had a greater absolute sensitivity than the IACP one. Comparing ELISA test, RT-PCR was found more sensitive in detecting local IYMV isolate. The two newly developed serological assays are simple, effective and suitable for large scale indexing. These two assays, particularly the IDAS-ELISA, are useful for high throughput detection of IYMV in host plants and vectors identification. However, the rapid and inexpensive ELISA combined with the highly specific and sensitive RT-PCR are a practical approach for future epidemiological studies of IYMV and acquiring information about the viral genome of samples.