Antigenic characterization of Anaplasma marginale isolates from different regions of Brazil

Antigenic characterization of A. marginale isolates has contributed to identifying the presence of common and restricts epitopes of major surface proteins (MSPs). The data may improve vaccine development to protect against A. marginale isolates from different regions. Brazilian A. marginale isolates were characterized antigenically by Western blot with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against MSPs and rabbit anti-MSP-4 from Florida strain. Six A. marginale isolates from MS, MG (AUFV1), SP, PR-L1, PR-HV, RS and Florida strain were tested with ANA22B1 to MSP-1a, AMR36A6 to MSP-1b, ANAF19E2 to MSP-2, AMG75C1 and AMG76B2 to MSP-3 and ANAF16C1 to MSP-5. ANA22B1 recognized MSP-1a epitope in all A. marginale isolates, and reacted with polypeptides of different size ranging 46-105kDa. MSP2 was not detected in MS and SP isolates by ANAF19E2, and only PR-L1 and MG (AUFV1) isolates reacted with MAbs which recognize MSP3 epitope. MSP4 and MSP5 were detected in all A. marginale isolates analyzed. The results revealed conservation of MSP-1a and MSP-5 epitopes among all Brazilian isolates, and showed antigenic variability to MSP-1b, MSP-2 and MSP-3 proteins, agreeing with recent data about the genetic diversity found in the polimorphic multigene family responsible for these proteins.     

Antigenic characterization of IBDV field isolates by their reactivity with a panel of monoclonal antibodies

Recently Infectious Bursal Disease Virus isolates have been described in USA displaying an antigenic drift. Many of the new isolates were very virulent for chickens. In several European countries severe outbreaks of Gumboro disease have also been reported from vaccinated and non-vaccinated flocks. Since vaccinated SPF birds were shown to be protected against challenge infection with the new isolates under laboratory conditions, a more detailed investigation of the European isolates is wanted. The similarity between the European and US field situation got us to use a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MCAs) previously applied to characterize US strains for testing European isolates. An antigen capture ELISA has been carried out directly on bursa homogenates of chickens form the field. One European (F52/70) and two US (Var. E and GLS-5) strains have been included as reference viruses. From the results presented here it can be concluded that the European isolates (Netherlands, France, UK, Germany, Jugoslavia and Spain) did not undergo the same antigenic drift as the US strains. A more extensive analysis of the isolates will be done to elucidate their role for disease outbreaks.     

Antigenic characterization of bovine viral diarrhoea virus isolates from Spain with a panel of monoclonal antibodies

A group of 47 bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) strains isolated from a variety of bovine tissues from eight different geographical areas of Spain and two BVDV strains isolated from a cell line were characterized antigenically with a panel of 23 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The mAbs were directed at one of three viral proteins: E2, Erns and NS2-3. A peroxidase-linked assay was used to test the mAbs for reactivity against infected cell monolayers. The data were analysed by two computational methods: the Antigenic Distance Program (MAP) and the Phylogeny Inference Package (PHYLIP), and compared with those obtained previously using the same mAbs with other pestiviruses, including reference strains and UK field isolates. All the Spanish field strains studied appeared to be broadly similar to reference strains of BVDV and were included in the subgroup of classical BVDV, meanwhile the two strains isolated from a cell line were included in the subgroup of atypical pestiviruses.     

Antigenic characterization of street rabies virus isolates from Nigeria using monoclonal antibodies

Twenty isolates of street rabies virus were recovered in mouse neutroblastoma cells from 84 rabies suspect brain specimens from Nigeria dogs and a cat. They were characterized with the Tübingen monoclonal antibody panels directed against nucleocapsid and glycoprotein antigens. Antigenic variations were detected both with antinucleocapsid (anti-NC) and antiglycoprotein (anti-GP) monoclonal antibodies (mabs). One isolate reacted positively with anti-NC mab P41 which hitherto has been known to react positively with polar rabies. Another isolate did not react with anti-NC mab 187.5; a reaction normally seen with ERA/SAD strains of rabies virus. With anti-GP mabs it was possible to group the isolates by their area of origin. Isolates from Plateau State were not neutralized by anti-GP mabs ERA 543 and P44.7.2. The isolates studied had glycoprotein antigenic patterns different from the pattern for low egg passage (LEP) Flury strain vaccine virus used in Nigeria for immunization of dogs.     

抗牛边缘无浆体MSP5单克隆抗体的制备

为制备抗牛边缘无浆体膜表面蛋白(MSP5)单克隆抗体(MAb),以原核表达的重组MSP5蛋白(rMSP5)免疫BALB/c鼠,应用常规杂交瘤技术获得2株能稳定分泌特异性MAb的杂交瘤细胞株(1D8和2F3).间接ELISA检测腹水效价分别为5.49×105和7.83×104,亚类鉴定其重链为分别为IgG2b和1gG2a,轻链均为K型;ELISA叠加试验表明这2株MAb识别的抗原位点相同或相近;Western blot结果显示2株MAb均能与rMSP5发生反应.特异性抗MSP5的MAb的获得,为牛边缘无浆体检测奠定了基础.     

Antigenic characterization of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype Asia1 field isolates using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype Asia1 field isolates (n = 100) were compared using a panel of 11 monoclonal antibodies (Mab) in sandwich ELISA. The majority (over 89%) of the isolates showed either homologous (76% and above reactivity) or reduced affinity (20-75% reactivity) for the Mabs 2A, 13, 40, 34 and 81, suggesting that these Mab binding epitopes are conserved, whereas a more variable reactivity was observed for the Mabs B3, 1A, 24, 72, 82 and 89. Polyclonal relationship ('r' value) of the field isolates in liquid phase blocking (LPB) ELISA was examined, and the mean 'r' value was 0.62 relative to vaccine virus IND 63/72. Some of the field isolates (n = 34) were tested in virus neutralization test (VNT) and showed an 'r' value of >0.40. Although a minor antigenic difference was observed in the Mab profiling study, there has not been large antigenic divergence between reference virus and field viruses, thereby providing evidence of wide antigenic coverage of the vaccine strain.     

Radioimmunoassay for Anaplasma marginale antibodies in cattle

A radioimmunoassay is described for use in the detection of Anaplasma marginale antibodies in cattle sera. Optimal sensitivity and specificity were obtained by using 2 antigens, an A marginale antigen and a RBC antigen (obtained before infection was established) from the same calf. In addition, sera were preabsorbed with RBC from healthy cattle and with sonicated Babesia bovis. Of 86 sera obtained from cattle with A marginale infection (as determined by blood smear examination or by results of subinoculation of blood from such infected cattle into splenectomized calves), 85 had positive results by use of this test. Of 100 sera obtained from cattle raised in an anaplasmosis-free area, 98 yielded negative results, and sera obtained from 35 cattle (97 sera) infected with B bigemina and from 18 cattle infected with Theileria orientalis yielded negative results. By use of this test, 99 of 100 sera obtained from cattle with B bovis infection were negative for A marginale. Anaplasma marginale antibodies were detected in 18 cattle that had been pastured in a Boophilus microplus-free area for 2 years after natural infection. After 3 years, 16 of these cattle were still seropositive for A marginale. Sixteen cattle pastured in a Bo microplus-infested area had detectable antibody against A marginale 27 months after initial infection with A marginale. Sensitivity and specificity of the test were assessed as 98.8% for each.     

Identification of antigens of two isolates of Anaplasma marginale, using a western blot technique

Antigens of the Illinois (IAM) and Florida (FAM) isolates of Anaplasma marginale were analyzed, using the western blot technique and antiserum from A marginale-infected calves. Crude antigens were prepared from the parasitemic blood of each. Antiserum was collected after the primary and recrudescent parasitemias. Antigens were separated, using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Antigens were then transferred onto nitrocellulose membranes and exposed to test sera. Antibodies attached to the membrane-bound antigens were detected, using an avidin/biotin peroxidase assay and biotinylated rabbit anti-goat immunoglobulin G. Antigens detected were of a high molecular weight group (108 to 91 kilodaltons [kd]) or of a low molecular weight group (47 to 27 kd). The IAM antigens were 100 kd, 96 kd, 47 kd, 38 to 43 kd, and 27 kd; these antigens were detected, using anti-IAM and anti-FAM antibodies, but the anti-FAM antibodies had a strong reaction to only the 100-kd and 38- to 43-kd antigens of IAM. The FAM antigens were 108 kd, 91 kd, 47 kd, 38 to 43 kd, and 27 kd; these antigens were detected, using anti-FAM antibodies and, except the 91 kd antigen, anti-IAM antibodies. Because the 91-kd antigen was detected only in the FAM antigen and detected only by sera from FAM-infected calves, this isolate-specific antigen may be associated with the ability of FAM to induce disease in an IAM-immune animal. Sheep anti-A ovis antibodies reacted only to the 38- to 43-kd antigens of each isolate, indicating that these antigens may be genus-specific.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Infectivity of three Anaplasma marginale isolates for Dermacentor andersoni

Three isolates of Anaplasma marginale--Virginia (VAM), Illinois (IAM), and Florida (FAM)--were compared for infectivity for Dermacentor andersoni. The isolates were selected, in part, because of a tail-like appendage that has been demonstrated in the VAM and IAM, but not in the FAM. Ticks were exposed to the isolates as nymphs either naturally by feeding on a calf with anaplasmosis or artificially by percutaneous inoculation with infected bovine erythrocytes. They were examined for infectivity after molting to the adult stage by determining their capability to transmit the disease to susceptible calves and by demonstrating colonies in tick gut sections. Only those ticks exposed to the VAM proved to be infected with A marginale; ticks naturally exposed and those artificially infected with this isolate transmitted the disease to susceptible calves. Colonies of A marginale were observed only in gut tissues of ticks naturally infected with VAM. The IAM (appendage present) and FAM (appendage absent) could not be found in ticks exposed by either method, indicating that factors other than the presence of inclusion appendages may be involved in infection of ticks by A marginale.     

Lymphocyte antigens of sheep: identification and characterization using a panel of monoclonal antibodies

A panel of monoclonal antibodies has been developed and used to identify and characterize the lymphocyte antigens of sheep. These studies have shown that sheep lymphocyte antigens display similar, if not identical, tissue distributions to their analogues in other species. Some of the major sheep antigens, including CD5, CD4, CD8, SBU-T19, Pgp-1, LCA and the MHC antigens, are described in detail.     

Antigenic characterization of the nucleocapsid protein of Newcastle disease virus by means of a new panel of monoclonal antibodies

Nine monoclonal antibodies (MAB) against nucleocapsid protein (NP) of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) have been prepared and characterized. All the MABs were classified into three groups by means of the competitive binding assay. At least three antigenic sites were delineated on the NP. The 1st site includes two closely located epitopes; the 2nd site includes two related and two distinct epitopes; the 3rd site includes two closely related and one distinct epitopes.     

Detection of antibodies against Anaplasma marginale in milk using a recombinant MSP5 indirect ELISA

An indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) for diagnosis of anaplasmosis using undiluted individual milk samples from dairy cows was developed. The recombinant 19 kDa major surface protein 5 (rMSP5) of Anaplasma marginale was used as antigen. A monoclonal antibody against bovine IgG1 conjugated with peroxidase and the chromogen 3,5,3',5'-tetramethylbenzidine were used in the test. Strong and weak, positive and negative milk samples were set up as reference controls. Results were expressed as percentage of positivity (PP) contrasting with the strongest positive control. The test was evaluated in two groups (G1 and G2) of lactating dairy cows from herds located in A. marginale non-endemic areas of Argentina. The infection status of both groups, G1 (n=128) sampled after anaplasmosis outbreak, and G2 (n=216) free of anaplasmosis was established by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum samples of cows from G1 and G2 were analyzed by card agglutination test (CAT) and competitive ELISA (cELISA), while the novel iELISA was evaluated in their corresponding milk samples. At a cutoff of 42 PP, the ELISA has 98% sensitivity and 95% specificity. A significant difference (P<0.0001) was found between the mean PP value of negative samples from G1 (17.4+/-14.9), and G2 (8.6+/-7.1). The agreement and kappa (kappa) value between iELISA and PCR was 96%, kappa=0.919; between iELISA and CAT was 97%, kappa=0.880; and between iELISA and cELISA was 97%, kappa=0.899. These results strongly support the usefulness of iELISA to detect A. marginale antibodies in milk. Additional studies are necessary to define the ability of the milk iELISA to detect not only acutely infected, but also carrier cattle.     

Detection of geographic isolates of Anaplasma marginale, using polyclonal bovine antisera and microfluorometry

Geographically separate United States isolates of Anaplasma marginale were differentiated, using polyclonal bovine antiserum and microfluorometry. Both isolate-common and restricted antigen-specific antibodies were apparent in sera of splenectomized calves after resolution of infection, as judged by the capability of the antisera to recognize heterologous isolate antigens to a lesser extent than homologous antigens. Furthermore, absorption of the antisera with homologous antigens removed homologous and heterologous reactions, whereas heterologous absorptions resulted in the capability to discriminate the tailed or appendage-associated isolates (Virginia and Washington) from the tail-less isolate (Florida).     

Antigenic comparisons of hog cholera virus isolates from Europe, America and Asia using monoclonal antibodies

Nineteen monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with specificity for hog cholera virus (HCV) were prepared. They were used in an immune binding (peroxidase linked) assay to determine the reaction patterns of HCV isolates from Europe, Brazil, USA, Japan and Malaysia, as well as laboratory reference strains of the virus. A further panel of 17 MAbs raised against bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) was included in the study, together with 5 MAbs raised against a non-HCV pestivirus of porcine origin. All the MAbs were also tested against representative strains of BVDV and border disease virus. Six MAbs were HCV-specific, reacting with all isolates of HCV and none of the ruminant viruses. Among the other HCV MAbs geographical variation in reaction patterns was observed. There was evidence of antigenic distinction between recent European isolates, and archive material originally isolated more than 10 years ago.     

Transformation of Anaplasma marginale

The tick-borne pathogen, Anaplasma marginale, has a complex life cycle involving ruminants and ixodid ticks. It causes bovine anaplasmosis, a disease with significant economic impact on cattle farming worldwide. The obligate intracellular growth requirement of the bacteria poses a challenging obstacle to their genetic manipulation, a problem shared with other prokaryotes in the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia. Following our successful transformation of the human anaplasmosis agent, A. phagocytophilum, we produced plasmid constructs (a transposon bearing plasmid, pHimarAm-trTurboGFP-SS, and a transposase expression plasmid, pET28Am-trA7) designed to mediate random insertion of the TurboGFP and spectinomycin/streptomycin resistance genes by the Himar1 allele A7 into the A. marginale chromosome. In these trans constructs, expression of the fluorescent and the selectable markers on the transposon, and expression of the transposase are under control of the A. marginale tr promoter. Constructs were co-electroporated into A. marginale St. Maries purified from tick cell culture, and bacteria incubated for 2 months under selection with a combination of spectinomycin and streptomycin. At that time, ≤1% of tick cells contained colonies of brightly fluorescent Anaplasma, which eventually increased to infect about 80–90% of the cells. Cloning of the insertion site in E. coli and DNA sequence analyses demonstrated insertion of the entire plasmid pHimarAm-trTurboGFP-SS encoding the transposon in frame into the native tr region of A. marginale in an apparent single homologous crossover event not mediated by the transposase. Transformants are fastidious and require longer subculture intervals than wild type A. marginale. This result suggests that A. marginale, as well as possibly other species of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, can be transformed using a strategy of homologous recombination.     

Antigenic analysis of Anaplasma marginale grown in bovine erythrocytes co-cultured with bovine endothelial cells

Two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for A. marginale were used to test the antigenic integrity of A. marginale grown in vitro in bovine erythrocytes co-cultured with endothelial cells. Both the mAbs reacted in the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test with A. marginale grown in vitro and also detected the antigens in Western immunoblots of SDS-PAGE separated antigens made from A. marginale infected erythrocytes from the cultures. Furthermore, active replication was evident as [35S]-methionine is incorporated by A. marginale present in the second passage of a culture maintained for six weeks as shown by immunoprecipitation of labeled antigens by the mAbs. This indicates that A. marginale grown in the in vitro culture system described previously [Waghela et al., Vet. Parasitol. 73 (1997) 43] maintain antigenic character, and with further development the system can be used for preparing immunogens or diagnostic antigens.     

检测牛边缘无浆体抗体的竞争抑制ELISA方法的建立

为建立检测牛边缘无浆体(Anaplasma marginale)抗体的方法,本研究以牛A.marginale膜表面重组MSP5蛋白作为包被抗原,抗MSP5单克隆抗体(MAb)作为竞争抗体,建立一种用于检测牛A marginale抗体的重组MSP5蛋白竞争抑制ELISA(CI-ELISA)方法.经优化确定CI-ELISA的最佳反应条件为:抗原包被浓度为2μg/孔,封闭液为2%脱脂乳,MAb的稀释度为1:400,酶标二抗的稀释度为1:1000,阴性和阳性血清临界值分别为33%和40%;该方法具有良好的特异性和重复性;2 348份临床血清样品的检测结果表明,217份为阳性,阳性率为9.2%,与IDEXXA marginale抗体检测试剂盒的阳性符合率为95.3%,阴性符合率为100%.本实验建立的ELISA方法具有较高的特异性和重复性,可用于流行病学调查研究.