Evaluation of Babesia bigemina 200 kDa recombinant antigen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Parasitol Res. 2009 Jul;105(1):249-54. doi: 10.1007/s00436-009-1392-2. Epub 2009 Mar 18.

Abstract

A truncated fragment of the gene encoding the 200-kDa protein (P200) of Babesia bigemina was cloned into a plasmid vector, pGEX-4 T-1 and expressed in Escherichia coli as a glutathione-S-transferase fused protein. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the rp200/CT detected specific antibodies in cattle experimentally infected with B. bigemina. Furthermore, the antigen did not cross-react with antibodies to Babesia bovis, a closely related Babesia parasite indicating that rp200/CT is a specific antigen for the diagnosis of B. bigemina infection. Additionally, ELISA using p200/CT and polymerase chain reaction were conducted on serum and corresponding DNA samples obtained from field cattle to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the p200/CT antigen. Results from the current study suggest that p200/CT ELISA is a sensitive and specific method for improved serodiagnosis of B. bigemina infection.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Antigens, Protozoan* / genetics
  • Babesia / chemistry*
  • Babesia / genetics
  • Babesiosis / diagnosis
  • Babesiosis / veterinary*
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cross Reactions
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Gene Expression
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • 200kDa Babesia bigemina antigen
  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins