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Değirmenci Döşkaya A, Can H, Gül A, Karakavuk T, Güvendi M, Karakavuk M, Gül C, Erkunt Alak S, Ün C, Gürüz AY, Döşkaya M. A preliminary study to develop a lateral flow assay using recombinant GRA1 protein for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in stray cats. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 101:102057. [PMID: 37647822 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that may infect many mammals including humans. Cats are one of the main sources of infection for humans. Therefore, routine screening of cats with tests that are inexpensive, rapid, and do not require sophisticated laboratory equipment is important. In this study, a lateral flow assay (LFA) was designed to rapidly diagnose toxoplasmosis in cats. For this purpose, we selected GRA1 protein of T. gondii due to its high antigenicity in diagnostic and vaccine studies. We further analyzed the immunological properties of GRA1 protein using in silico tools. Then, we expressed and purified recombinant GRA1 (rGRA1) protein and used it during the development of LFA to detect toxoplasmosis in serum samples (n = 40) of cats. According to the results, rGRA1 protein has negative GRAVY value, high aliphatic index, alpha helix, random coil and 12 B cell epitopes. The in silico data supported the high antigenic properties of rGRA1 protein and showed that it can be a good antigen candidate for LFA. Among 30 cat positive serum samples, 27 were found positive by the LFA while seronegative sera (n = 10) were negative by the LFA. The preliminary data showed that the LFA has high sensitivity (90 %) and specificity (100 %). When we used high responsive cat sera (i.e. sera that have optical density > 0.5 with ELISA) the sensitivity value reached 100 %. These results showed that rGRA1 protein is a good candidate to develop a LFA for rapid diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Aytül Gül
- Ege University Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Bioengineering, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Engineering Department of Bioengineering, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Karakavuk
- Ege University Graduate Faculty of Natural and Applied Science Biotechnology Program, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mervenur Güvendi
- Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Karakavuk
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Ödemiş Vocational School, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ceren Gül
- Ege University Graduate Faculty of Natural and Applied Science Biotechnology Program, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey
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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Giner J, Pérez MD, Tobajas AP, Yzuel A, Verde MT, Lacasta D, Fernández A, Marteles D, Ruíz H. Evaluation of an immunochromatographic serologic test to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cats. Vet Clin Pathol 2023. [PMID: 36849629 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Different T. gondii confirmatory techniques, including serologic methods, are available to detect the presence of the parasite. Among serology techniques, immunochromatographic rapid testing could be a reliable alternative to serologic laboratory techniques. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated a commercial immunochromatographic test (FASTest TOXOPLASMA g) in seronegative and seropositive cats. METHODS Two indirect immunofluorescence antibody reference tests, an in-house technique, and a commercial test were used to classify 292 feline serum samples. The rapid test was evaluated in different groups of cats, including healthy seronegative cats (n = 121), seropositive cats with variable anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (n = 146), and cats with positive serologic results for other pathogens (n = 25). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, receiver operating characteristic curves, and kappa statistics were analyzed as performance measures. RESULTS Of the 292 samples, 146 were classified as T. gondii seropositive and 146 as T. gondii seronegative. Concordant results were obtained for all samples using immunofluorescence antibody tests. The diagnostic measures of this rapid test showed 98.63% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and 99.32% accuracy. The kappa statistics value was 0.986, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.993. CONCLUSIONS This rapid test showed diagnostic measurements similar to those of traditional quantitative serologic methods. In situations where laboratory techniques are not available, this test, under clinical conditions, could be a useful alternative to obtain accurate results rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mariví Martínez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jacobo Giner
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Pilar Tobajas
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Teresa Verde
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Suwan E, Chalermwong P, Rucksaken R, Sussadee M, Kaewmongkol S, Udonsom R, Jittapalapong S, Mangkit B. Development and evaluation of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant dense granule antigen 7 protein for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats in Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:602-610. [PMID: 35497967 PMCID: PMC9047132 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.602-610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Toxoplasma gondii is recognized as a zoonosis causing toxoplasmosis in animals globally. Cat is a definitive host of T. gondii and sheds oocyst through feces, which can infect human beings and animals through contaminated food ingestion. A precise diagnostic test is essential to prevent T. gondii infection in both humans and animals. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the pETite-dense granule antigen 7(GRA7)-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect T. gondii infection in cats. Materials and Methods: T. gondii-GRA7 was cloned and expressed in the Expresso®small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) T7 Cloning and Expression System. The recombinant pETite-GRA7 was purified using HisTrap affinity chromatography and confirmed using Western blot analysis. The recombinant protein was used to develop and evaluate the indirect ELISA for T. gondii infection detection. In total, 200 cat sera were tested using pETite-GRA7-based indirect ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The statistical analysis based on Kappa value, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, χ2 test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of the test. Results: A 606 bp GRA7 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product was obtained from T. gondii RH strain genomic DNA. The gene was cloned into the pETite™ vector and transformed to HI-Control Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for protein expression. Approximately 35 kDa of recombinant pETite-GRA7 was observed and Western blot analysis showed positive bands against anti-6-His antibody and positive-T. gondii cat serum. A sample of 0.5 μg/mL of pETite-GRA7 was subjected to indirect ELISA to detect T. gondii infection in the cat sera. The results showed sensitivity and specificity of pETite-GRA7-based indirect ELISA at 72% and 96%, respectively. An acceptable diagnostic performance was characterized by high concordant results (94%) and substantial agreement (Kappa value=0.65) with IFAT. The seroprevalence levels of ELISA and IFAT were 10% and 9%, respectively, and were not significantly (p>0.05) different. The expected performance of ELISA at different cutoff points using the ROC curve analysis revealed 89% sensitivity and 92% specificity at the cutoff value of 0.146, with a high overall assay accuracy (area under the curve=0.94). Conclusion: In this study, the pETite™ vector, N-terminal 6xHis SUMO fusion tag, was used to improve the solubility and expression level of GRA7. The recombinant pETite-GRA7 showed enhanced protein solubility and purification without special condition requirements. This pETite-GRA7-based indirect ELISA showed high concordant results and substantial agreement with IFAT. ELISA revealed an acceptable sensitivity and specificity. These initial data obtained from cats’ sera demonstrated that pETite-GRA7-based indirect ELISA could be a useful method for local serological diagnosis of T. gondii infection in cats in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eukote Suwan
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piangjai Chalermwong
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rucksak Rucksaken
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Metita Sussadee
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sarawan Kaewmongkol
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ruenruetai Udonsom
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Bandid Mangkit
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Fabian BT, Hedar F, Koethe M, Bangoura B, Maksimov P, Conraths FJ, Villena I, Aubert D, Seeber F, Schares G. Fluorescent bead-based serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chickens. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:388. [PMID: 32736581 PMCID: PMC7393333 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04244-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free-ranging chickens are often infected with Toxoplasma gondii and seroconvert upon infection. This indicates environmental contamination with T. gondii. METHODS Here, we established a bead-based multiplex assay (BBMA) using the Luminex technology for the detection of T. gondii infections in chickens. Recombinant biotinylated T. gondii surface antigen 1 (TgSAG1bio) bound to streptavidin-conjugated magnetic Luminex beads served as antigen. Serum antibodies were detected by a fluorophore-coupled secondary antibody. Beads of differing color codes were conjugated with anti-chicken IgY or chicken serum albumin and served for each sample as an internal positive or negative control, respectively. The assay was validated with sera from experimentally and naturally infected chickens. The results were compared to those from reference methods, including other serological tests, PCRs and bioassay in mice. RESULTS In experimentally infected chickens, the vast majority (98.5%, n = 65/66) of birds tested seropositive in the BBMA. This included all chickens positive by magnetic-capture PCR (100%, n = 45/45). Most, but not all inoculated and TgSAG1bio-BBMA-positive chickens were also positive in two previously established TgSAG1-ELISAs (TgSAG1-ELISASL, n = 61/65; or TgSAG1-ELISASH, n = 60/65), or positive in an immunofluorescence assay (IFAT, n = 64/65) and in a modified agglutination test (MAT, n = 61/65). All non-inoculated control animals (n = 28/28, 100%) tested negative. In naturally exposed chickens, the TgSAG1bio-BBMA showed a high sensitivity (98.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 90.7-99.9%) and specificity (100%; 95% CI: 85.0-100%) relative to a reference standard established using ELISA, IFAT and MAT. Almost all naturally exposed chickens that were positive in bioassay or by PCR tested positive in the TgSAG1bio-BBMA (93.5%; 95% CI: 77.1-98.9%), while all bioassay- or PCR-negative chickens remained negative (100%; 95% CI: 85.0-100%). CONCLUSIONS The TgSAG1bio-BBMA represents a suitable method for the detection of T. gondii infections in chickens with high sensitivity and specificity, which is comparable or even superior to other tests. Since assays based on this methodology allow for the simultaneous analysis of a single biological sample with respect to multiple analytes, the described assay may represent a component in future multiplex assays for broad serological monitoring of poultry and other farm animals for various pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt T. Fabian
- FG16: Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fatima Hedar
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Koethe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Food Hygiene, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Berit Bangoura
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Parasitology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, USA
| | - Pavlo Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Isabelle Villena
- EA 7510, UFR Medecine, University of Reims Champagne Ardenne, Reims, France
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Dominique Aubert
- EA 7510, UFR Medecine, University of Reims Champagne Ardenne, Reims, France
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Frank Seeber
- FG16: Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Toxoplasma gondii Recombinant Antigens in the Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Domestic and Farm Animals. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081245. [PMID: 32707821 PMCID: PMC7459674 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The very common parasite infections in animals are caused by members of Apicomplexa, including Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora sp., and Sarcocystis sp. These parasites pose serious veterinary problems. For example, the development of unambiguous diagnostic algorithms and determining the correct diagnosis are hindered by the similar antigenic structure of these parasites, as well as the multitude of similar disease symptoms presented in an infected animal. The intracellular parasite, T. gondii, infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. This parasite is widespread among different animal populations, contributes to the loss of reproductive and malformations in young individuals, and can become a serious economic concern for farmers. Additionally, the consumption of undercooked or raw meat and the consumption of improperly processed milk product derived from farm animals are the main parasite transmission routes in humans. This work reviews potential improvements to diagnostic techniques that use recombinant antigens for serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis in various species of animals. Abstract Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, and is a parasitic disease that occurs in all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic diseases of animals and results in reproductive losses. Toxoplasmosis in humans is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat or consuming dairy products containing the parasite. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is currently based on serological assays using native antigens to detect specific anti-T. gondii antibodies. Due to the high price, the available commercial agglutination assays are not suited to test a large number of animal serum samples. The recent development of proteomics elucidated the antigenic structure of T. gondii and enabled the development of various recombinant antigens that can be used in new, cheaper, and more effective diagnostic tools. Continuous development of scientific disciplines, such as molecular biology and genetic engineering, allows for the production of new recombinant antigens and provides the basis for new diagnostic tests for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies in animal serum samples.
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Dubey JP, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Murata FHA, Kwok OCH, Yang YR, Su C. All about toxoplasmosis in cats: the last decade. Vet Parasitol 2020; 283:109145. [PMID: 32645556 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis continues to be of public health concern. Cats (domestic and wild felids) are the most important host in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis because they are the only species that can excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in feces. Cats can excrete millions of oocysts and a single cat can spread infection to many hosts. The present paper summarizes information on prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical signs, and diagnosis of T. gondii infections in domestic and wild cats for the past decade. Special emphasis is paid to genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates from cats. Review of literature indicates that a unique genotype (ToxoDB genotype #9 or Chinese 1) is widely prevalent in cats in China and it has been epidemiologically linked to outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in pigs and deaths in humans in China; this genotype has rarely been detected in other countries. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Y R Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
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Serological and molecular rapid diagnostic tests for Toxoplasma infection in humans and animals. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 39:19-30. [PMID: 31428897 PMCID: PMC7087738 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03680-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infection by Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent worldwide. The parasite can infect a broad spectrum of vertebrate hosts, but infection of fetuses and immunocompromised patients is of particular concern. Easy-to-perform, robust, and highly sensitive and specific methods to detect Toxoplasma infection are important for the treatment and management of patients. Rapid diagnostic methods that do not sacrifice the accuracy of the assay and give reproducible results in a short time are highly desirable. In this context, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), especially with point-of-care (POC) features, are promising diagnostic methods in clinical microbiology laboratories, especially in areas with minimal laboratory facilities. More advanced methods using microfluidics and sensor technology will be the future trend. In this review, we discuss serological and molecular-based rapid diagnostic tests for detecting Toxoplasma infection in humans as well as animals.
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Kim YH, Kim TY, Park JS, Park JS, Lee J, Moon J, Chong CK, Junior IN, Ferry FR, Ahn HJ, Bhatt L, Nam HW. Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Rapid Diagnostic Test for Yellow Fever Non-Structural Protein 1. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 57:283-290. [PMID: 31284351 PMCID: PMC6616167 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2019.57.3.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit was developed to detect non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of yellow fever virus (YFV) using monoclonal antibody. NS1 protein was purified from the cultured YFV and used to immunize mice. Monoclonal antibody to NS1 was selected and conjugated with colloidal gold to produce the YFV NS1 RDT kit. The YFV RDTs were evaluated for sensitivity and specificity using positive and negative samples of monkeys from Brazil and negative human blood samples from Korea. Among monoclonal antibodies, clones 3A11 and 3B7 proved most sensitive, and used for YFV RDT kit. Diagnostic accuracy of YFV RDT was fairly high; Sensitivity was 0.0% and specificity was 100% against Dengue viruses type 2 and 3, Zika, Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses. This YFV RDT kit could be employed as a test of choice for point-of-care diagnosis and large scale surveys of YFV infection under clinical or field conditions in endemic areas and on the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong Hoon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ivan Neves Junior
- Gafreé and Guinle University Hospital of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Del Castilho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando Raphael Ferry
- Gafreé and Guinle University Hospital of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Del Castilho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Lokraj Bhatt
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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Hwang J, Gottdenker NL, Oh DH, Nam HW, Lee H, Chun MS. Disentangling the link between supplemental feeding, population density, and the prevalence of pathogens in urban stray cats. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4988. [PMID: 29967720 PMCID: PMC6022734 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supplemental feeding of free-roaming animals, including wildlife and feral or stray animals, is well known to have a substantial impact on various aspects of animal ecology including habitat use, activity patterns, and host-pathogen interactions. Among them, an increased population density (PD) of animals receiving supplemental food raises concerns regarding the transmission of pathogens in these host populations. The primary aim of this study was to investigate how supplemental feeding is associated with host PD and prevalence of pathogens with different transmission modes in urban stray cats. We hypothesized that supplemental feeding would be positively associated with host PD and the prevalence of pathogens with density-dependent transmission modes compared with pathogens with transmission modes that are considered relatively density-independent. METHODS This study was conducted in six districts in Seoul, Republic of Korea which were selected based on different degrees of supplemental feeding and cat caretaker activity (CCA). The PD of stray cats was estimated by mark-recapture surveys. Stray cat blood samples (N = 302) were collected from stray cats by local animal hospitals from each district performing the trap-neuter-release which tested for eight pathogens with different transmission modes (feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline panleukopenia virus, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1, Bartonella henselae, hemoplasma, and Toxoplasma gondii) with molecular or serological assays. Associations between the prevalence of each pathogen and PD, CCA, and sex of cats were statistically analyzed. RESULTS In contrast to initial predictions, the cat PD was generally higher in low CCA districts. The prevalence of (FeLV), which is transmitted through direct contact, was significantly higher in areas with a high CCA, conforming to our hypothesis. On the other hand, the prevalence of feline parvovirus, which can be spread by environmental transmission, was higher in low CCA districts. The remaining six pathogens did not show any association with the CCA; however, they had a unique association with the PD or the sex of the stray cats. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that in addition to influencing the PD, supplemental feeding may affect the prevalence of pathogens in urban animals by mechanisms such as increased aggregation and/or altered foraging strategies, with different consequences depending on the transmission mode of each pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jusun Hwang
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Dae-Hyun Oh
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Parasitic Disease Research Institute, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hang Lee
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Sun Chun
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Kim YH, Lee J, Kim YE, Chong CK, Pinchemel Y, Reisdörfer F, Coelho JB, Dias RF, Bae PK, Gusmão ZPM, Ahn HJ, Nam HW. Development of a Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit to Detect IgG/IgM Antibody against Zika Virus Using Monoclonal Antibodies to the Envelope and Non-structural Protein 1 of the Virus. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018. [PMID: 29529852 PMCID: PMC5858665 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.1.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We developed a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kit for detecting IgG/IgM antibodies against Zika virus (ZIKV) using monoclonal antibodies to the envelope (E) and non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of ZIKV. These proteins were produced using baculovirus expression vector with Sf9 cells. Monoclonal antibodies J2G7 to NS1 and J5E1 to E protein were selected and conjugated with colloidal gold to produce the Zika IgG/IgM RDT kit (Zika RDT). Comparisons with ELISA, plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), and PCR were done to investigate the analytical sensitivity of Zika RDT, which resulted in 100% identical results. Sensitivity and specificity of Zika RDT in a field test was determined using positive and negative samples from Brazil and Korea. The diagnostic accuracy of Zika RDT was fairly high; sensitivity and specificity for IgG was 99.0 and 99.3%, respectively, while for IgM it was 96.7 and 98.7%, respectively. Cross reaction with dengue virus was evaluated using anti-Dengue Mixed Titer Performance Panel (PVD201), in which the Zika RDT showed cross-reactions with DENV in 16.7% and 5.6% in IgG and IgM, respectively. Cross reactions were not observed with West Nile, yellow fever, and hepatitis C virus infected sera. Zika RDT kit is very simple to use, rapid to assay, and very sensitive, and highly specific. Therefore, it would serve as a choice of method for point-of-care diagnosis and large scale surveys of ZIKV infection under clinical or field conditions worldwide in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong Hoon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pan Kee Bae
- BioNano Health Guard Research Center, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | | | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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Busin V, Wells B, Kersaudy-Kerhoas M, Shu W, Burgess STG. Opportunities and challenges for the application of microfluidic technologies in point-of-care veterinary diagnostics. Mol Cell Probes 2016; 30:331-341. [PMID: 27430150 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing need for low-cost, rapid and reliable diagnostic results in veterinary medicine. Point-of-care (POC) tests have tremendous advantages over existing laboratory-based tests, due to their intrinsic low-cost and rapidity. A considerable number of POC tests are presently available, mostly in dipstick or lateral flow formats, allowing cost-effective and decentralised diagnosis of a wide range of infectious diseases and public health related threats. Although, extremely useful, these tests come with some limitations. Recent advances in the field of microfluidics have brought about new and exciting opportunities for human health diagnostics, and there is now great potential for these new technologies to be applied in the field of veterinary diagnostics. This review appraises currently available POC tests in veterinary medicine, taking into consideration their usefulness and limitations, whilst exploring possible applications for new and emerging technologies, in order to widen and improve the range of POC tests available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Busin
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom; School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, United Kingdom.
| | - Beth Wells
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Maïwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, United Kingdom.
| | - Wenmaio Shu
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, United Kingdom; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NW, United Kingdom.
| | - Stewart T G Burgess
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom.
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Cho SJ, Lee J, Lee HJ, Jo HY, Sinniah M, Kim HY, Chong CK, Song HO. A Novel Malaria Pf/Pv Ab Rapid Diagnostic Test Using a Differential Diagnostic Marker Identified by Network Biology. Int J Biol Sci 2016; 12:824-35. [PMID: 27313496 PMCID: PMC4910601 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.14408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can detect anti-malaria antibodies in human blood. As they can detect parasite infection at the low parasite density, they are useful in endemic areas where light infection and/or re-infection of parasites are common. Thus, malaria antibody tests can be used for screening bloods in blood banks to prevent transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM), an emerging problem in malaria endemic areas. However, only a few malaria antibody tests are available in the microwell-based assay format and these are not suitable for field application. A novel malaria antibody (Ab)-based RDT using a differential diagnostic marker for falciparum and vivax malaria was developed as a suitable high-throughput assay that is sensitive and practical for blood screening. The marker, merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) was discovered by generation of a Plasmodium-specific network and the hierarchical organization of modularity in the network. Clinical evaluation revealed that the novel Malaria Pf/Pv Ab RDT shows improved sensitivity (98%) and specificity (99.7%) compared with the performance of a commercial kit, SD BioLine Malaria P.f/P.v (95.1% sensitivity and 99.1% specificity). The novel Malaria Pf/Pv Ab RDT has potential for use as a cost-effective blood-screening tool for malaria and in turn, reduces TTM risk in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Jin Cho
- 1. Department of Bioinformatics, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoo Lee
- 2. Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jae Lee
- 1. Department of Bioinformatics, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Young Jo
- 3. Laboratory Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Hak-Yong Kim
- 2. Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Chom-Kyu Chong
- 5. GenBody Inc., Dankook Biotech Business IC, Cheonan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ok Song
- 6. Department of Infection Biology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
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Peretti LE, Gonzalez VDG, Costa JG, Marcipar IS, Gugliotta LM. Synthesis and characterization of latex-protein complexes from different antigens ofToxoplasma gondiifor immunoagglutination assays. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2016.1180611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Spread and genotype of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra). Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2115-20. [PMID: 26960960 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4981-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The complex life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii involves many animal species, raising zoonotic, economic, and conservation issues. This complexity is reflected in the molecular structure of T. gondii, whose different genotypes differ in pathogenicity. Among the intermediate hosts of T. gondii, wild ungulates may be a source of human infection. Despite intense hunting activity and the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, little information is available on the spread of T. gondii and the distribution of its genotypes in these species, including the alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra). Ninety-three sera and 50 brain tissues from chamois were sampled (1) to investigate the spread of T. gondii with serological and molecular analyses, and (2) to genotype the strains with a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the SAG2 locus. The prevalence of T. gondii was low on both serological (3.2 %) and molecular (2 %) analyses, and infections were concentrated in individuals >1 year old. These findings demonstrate the sporadic presence of the protozoan in this species on consistent diagnostic tests. Horizontal transmission seems to be the main route of infection, and cats are the only definitive host in the study area. This prevalence suggests that the environment of the chamois is less contaminated with oocysts than environments close to human settlements. The SAG2 type II genotype was detected in this species for the first time. Although this genotype is predominant in human toxoplasmosis, these results suggest that the chamois is a minor source of human infection.
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Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Alpine Red Deer (Cervus elaphus): Its Spread and Effects on Fertility [corrected]. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138472. [PMID: 26405785 PMCID: PMC4583299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the depth of knowledge on the pathological effects of parasitism in domestic animals, the impact of the vast majority of parasites on wildlife hosts is poorly understood and, besides, information from domestics is rarely usable to disclose the parasites' impact on free-ranging populations' dynamics. Here we use Toxoplasmosis as a study model since, until now, the infection process and the protozoan's effects in natural conditions has received little attention. We analysed 81 sera from red deer (Cervus elaphus) sampled in Italian Alps and through generalized linear models we evaluated (1) the epidemiological factors influencing T. gondii infection dynamics; (2) its impact on female fertility [corrected]. High seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was recorded in yearling (1 year-old; prevalence = 52.4%) and adult (>2 year-old; prevalence = 51.3%) red deer, while calves (<1 year-old) did not contract the infection suggesting horizontal transmission as the main route of infection. The stable prevalence between yearlings and adults and the higher serological titres of younger individuals lead to two alternative infection processes suggesting a difference between age classes or in acquiring the infection or in responding to the pathogen. No associations between T. gondii serological titres and pregnancy status was observed indicating no direct effect on the probability of being pregnant; nevertheless a relation between females' higher serological titres and lower foetal development emerged, suggesting potential effects of the parasite infection on deer reproduction. The results demonstrate high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in free-ranging red deer and, furthermore, the effect on foetal development suggests the potential impact of the parasite on red deer fertility and thus on its population dynamics.
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Peretti LE, Gonzalez VD, Marcipar IS, Gugliotta LM. Latex–protein complexes from an acute phase recombinant antigen of Toxoplasma gondii for the diagnosis of recently acquired toxoplasmosis. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2014; 120:88-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Song KJ, Yang Z, Chong CK, Kim JS, Lee KC, Kim TS, Nam HW. A rapid diagnostic test for toxoplasmosis using recombinant antigenic N-terminal half of SAG1 linked with intrinsically unstructured domain of gra2 protein. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2013; 51:503-10. [PMID: 24327774 PMCID: PMC3857496 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2013.51.5.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite with a broad host range of most warm-blooded mammals including humans, of which one-thirds of the human population has been infected worldwide which can cause congenital defects, abortion, and neonatal complications. Here, we developed a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for T. gondii infection. Antigenic N-terminal half of the major surface antigen (SAG1) was linked with intrinsically unstructured domain (IUD) of dense granule protein 2 (GRA2). The recombinant GST-GRA2-SAG1A protein was successfully expressed and purified as 51 kDa of molecular weight. Furthermore, antigenicity and solubility of the rGST-GRA2-SAG1A protein were significantly increased. The overall specificity and sensitivity of GST-GRA2-SAG1A loaded RDT (TgRDT) were estimated as 100% and 97.1% by comparing with ELISA result which uses T. gondii whole cell lysates as the antigen. The TgRDT tested with Uganda people sera for field trial and showed 31.9% of seroprevalence against T. gondii antibody. The TgRDT is proved to be a kit for rapid and easy to use with high accuracy, which would be a suitable serodiagnostic tool for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Ju Song
- Department of Parasitology, Catholic Institute of Parasitic Disease, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
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Hosseininejad M. Evaluation of an indirect ELISA using a tachyzoite surface antigen SAG1 for diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats. Exp Parasitol 2012; 132:556-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Revised: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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