Use of recombinant antigens for detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in swine

J Parasitol. 2000 Jun;86(3):459-62. doi: 10.1645/0022-3395(2000)086[0459:UORAFD]2.0.CO;2.

Abstract

Five recombinant Toxoplasma gondii antigens, designated B427, C51, C55, V22, and MBP30 were assessed for their potential use in an enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) for detection of T. gondii infection in swine. The antigens were evaluated with sera from young pigs that had been fed 1-10,000 T. gondii oocysts of the VEG or GT-1 strains. Results were compared with an EIA using a native T. gondii antigen extract. All 5 recombinant antigens, as well as native antigen, detected antibody responses as soon as 3 wk after infection in pigs inoculated with 1 or 10 oocysts of the VEG strain. This antibody response persisted, at varying levels, for 14 wk when the experiment was terminated. All antigens also detected antibody responses in pigs 4 wk after inoculation with 10,000 oocysts of the GT-1 strain. The antibody response recognized by native antigen remained high through 51 wk after inoculation. However, there was considerable animal-to-animal variation in responses to the individual recombinant antigens. Only antigens C51 and MBP30 consistently detected a positive antibody response over the entire 51-wk course of the experiment. These results suggest that these antigens might be useful for the serological detection of T. gondii infection in pigs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / biosynthesis
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Antigens, Protozoan* / genetics
  • Antigens, Protozoan* / immunology
  • Biological Assay
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Swine Diseases / immunology
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / diagnosis*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Recombinant Proteins