Isolation of Theileria sergenti piroplasms from infected erythrocytes and development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serodiagnosis of T sergenti infections

A method of obtaining a pure suspension of Theileria sergenti piroplasms from infected bovine erythrocytes was developed and the resulting parasites used as antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Piroplasms were freed from infected erythrocytes using the nitrogen cavitation technique and then separated from unbroken erythrocytes by centrifugation at 670 gmax. The parasites in the supernatant were then sedimented by centrifugation at 2700 gmax and the purified fraction examined by electron microscopy. This examination showed that the isolated piroplasms were morphologically intact and that there were few contaminants. SDS-PAGE and spectrophotometric analysis showed that this fraction contained little erythrocyte component. The piroplasms thus obtained were sonicated and treated with Triton X-100 then used for ELISA antigen. The ELISA values had a high correlation with titres obtained using the indirect fluorescent antibody test on sera from cattle infected with T sergenti.     

In vitro cultivation of Anaplasma marginale: invasion of and development in noninfected erythrocytes

Ovine erythrocytes infected with attenuated Anaplasma marginale organisms were cultured in a suspension of normal ovine erythrocytes and normal bovine erythrocytes for 42 days. In each system, the organism showed an initial period of rapid growth followed by a gradual decrease in the percentage of parasitized erythrocytes accompanied by cyclic peaks. The percentage of infection of ovine erythrocytes were not different when normal ovine or bovine erythrocytes were added to the cultures. In vitro transmission of the organism from infected ovine cells to normal bovine cells was demonstrated by use of a two-step direct fluorescent antibody method, which allowed for specific identification of the two cell types and the organism.     

Stage-specific antigenicity in Theileria annulata: a case report

Blood from sick cattle in Bahrain transmitted piroplasms of Theileria annulata to a splenectomized calf. Larvae of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum were infected on the calf and, after moulting, induced clinical theileriosis, associated with numerous schizonts, in the same calf. The animal was cured by specific treatment. Antigenic differences thus shown between piroplasms on the one hand, and sporozoites and schizonts on the other hand, were confirmed in the indirect fluorescent antibody test, as a significant titre to T. annulata piroplasm antigen developed after the inoculation of blood, but to schizont antigen only after the infective ticks had induced the appearance of schizonts.     

Application of a modified indirect fluorescent antibody test to the detection of antibodies to bovine respiratory syncytial virus in Ontario cattle.

A modified indirect fluorescent antibody test for the detection of serum antibodies to bovine respiratory syncytial virus was developed. The test made use of Terasaki plastic microtiter plates in which bovine respiratory syncytial virus (Saskatchewan strain) infected Georgia bovine kidney cells were grown and fixed in situ by a modified acetone fixation procedure. Evans blue dye was used as a counterstain to reduce nonspecific fluorescence. In a study of 986 field sera from a geographically broad cross-section of mature Ontario cattle, 95% of the samples were found to be positive at or above a 1:2 dilution. No seronegative regions, counties or herds were identified. When representative samples covering a range of indirect fluorescent antibody titers were further examined by a microtiter virus neutralization assay, a significant agreement was found between the two tests. Up to a fourfold decrease in titer was observed when antigen coated plates were stored at -70 degrees C for four months. The modified indirect fluorescent antibody test for bovine respiratory syncytial virus antibody detection proved to be a rapid, practical procedure for use in the diagnostic laboratory. This study confirms that bovine respiratory syncytial virus is widespread in the Ontario cattle population and that most mature cattle can be assumed to have been exposed to this virus.     

Comparison of diagnostic methods to detect piroplasms in asymptomatic cattle

This study was carried out to compare different diagnostic techniques to reveal the presence of piroplasms in asymptomatic cattle kept at pasture. Nineteen blood samples were collected from animals of two different areas of Emilia Romagna Region of Italy and processed for microscopic observation, PCR, serological test (IFAT) for Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina antibodies and in vitro cultivation. The cultures were performed on both bovine and ovine erythrocytes. Seventeen blood smears (89%) were positive for piroplasms, while PCR was positive on 18 samples (95%). DNA sequencing of 18S rRNA identified the piroplasms as Theileria spp. In vitro cultures were successful for 6 samples (32%) cultured on bovine blood and subsequent identified these as Babesia major by PCR. On IFAT analyses of 16 samples, 36.8% resulted positive for B. bovis and 31.6% positive for B. bigemina. These results show, in the same animals, the co-infection with Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.; the detection of B. major was possible only using the in vitro cultures.     

牛血清淀粉样蛋白A时间分辨荧光免疫层析检测试剂盒研制

本研究旨在研制一种牛血清淀粉样蛋白A（SAA）时间分辨荧光免疫层析定量检测试剂盒,用于牛奶中SAA含量的临床快速检测。采用双抗体夹心法结合荧光免疫层析技术,在结合垫上固定荧光微球标记的抗SAA单克隆抗体及荧光微球标记的鸡IgY的混合物,在硝酸纤维素膜的检测区包被另一株抗SAA单克隆抗体,在硝酸纤维素膜的质控区包被山羊抗鸡IgY。经抗体原料筛选及荧光微球标记抗体的工艺优化后,绘制标准曲线并对试剂盒的空白限、精密度、稳定性及样本测试性能进行初步评估。结果显示,Medix SAA-2单克隆抗体包被与YBX SAA-3单克隆抗体标记为最适抗体配对原料。荧光微球标记抗体的工艺中,荧光微球与抗体的质量投料比为40∶1、偶联剂与荧光微球羧基摩尔比为2∶1的条件为最优组合。试剂盒标准曲线的四参数拟合曲线方程为y=（1.03947-0.00182）/[1＋（x/12.08222）×（-0.84692）]＋0.00182,线性相关系数R²=0.9997。研制的牛SAA检测试剂盒空白限为0.052 mg/L。精密度测试结果显示,批内变异系数 < 15%,批间变异系数 < 20%。室温稳定性试验表明,试剂盒在室温密封存放6个月的荧光T/C值相对跌幅约15%。自制试剂盒与上海蓝基试剂盒的样本对比测试相关系数R²为0.97。综上所述,本试验研制的试剂盒具有操作简便、灵敏度高、成本低廉等优点,能满足临床测定需求,可作为一种新型牛SAA检测的快捷、准确的检测手段。     

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus infection of bovine embryonic lung cultures: a kinetic study by the fluorescent antibody technique.

Development of fluorescence in bovine embryonic lung cells infected with bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) was studied by the fluorescent antibody (FA) test. Similar patterns of fluorescence were seen with the direct FA test, in which the immunoglobulin G fraction of antiserum to BRSV was conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate and used; and the indirect test, in which antiserum to the Long strain of respiratory syncytial virus and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G were used. In different trials, fluorescence was first detected between 16 and 18 hours after inoculation with BRSV. Fluorescence always was confined to the cytoplasm. Before 24 hours, fluorescence consisted of fine fibrils, usually parallel to the long axis of the cell, and cytoplasmic granules. After 24 hours, coincident with rounding of the cells, fluorescence slowly moved to the periphery of the cytoplasm. Under the growth conditions used, syncytia did not develop. By the FA test and as determined by the release of BRSV into the supernatant fluid, the minimal time for a single cycle of infection was between 24 and 26 hours.     

Differences in fluorescent antibody staining of bovine respiratory syncytial virus-infected cells by ovine and bovine sera

In indirect fluorescent antibody tests in which sera from cattle and sheep with respiratory disease problems were used to stain foetal bovine lung cells infected with a bovine respiratory syncytial virus strain, differences were noted in the pattern of fluorescence produced by some sheep sera and that produced by positive bovine sera. In serum neutralisation tests, also using a bovine respiratory syncytial virus strain, 4 of 7 sera giving this atypical pattern of fluorescence had very low neutralising antibody titres (highest 1/4), and 3 were negative. It is suggested that two related but antigenically distinguishable respiratory syncytial virus types are present in sheep, one of which is similar to bovine strains.     

Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test for Babesia major and Theileria mutans in Britain.

Use of the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) tests is described to detect antibodies to Theileria mutans and Babesia major in the sera of infected cattle. When antisera against T mutans and B major were tested against homologous antigens high antibody titres were recorded: when they were tested against each other or against Babesia divergens antigen insignificant titres (1/40 or less) were recorded. Thus the test was found to be species specific. Animals recovered from T mutans and B major infections retained significant levels of IFA titres for 22 and 11 months respectively. It is suggested that the IFA test could be used for field survey of the piroplasms of cattle in Britain.     

Detection of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) by Immunofluorescence

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis can be readily and accurately diagnosed by direct fluorescent antibody techniques on infected bovine embryo kidney monolayers. Non-specific fluorescence was encountered in direct observation of bovine nasal secretions and cotyledon impressions.     

Indirect fluorescent antibody test for experimental and epizootiological studies on East coast fever (Theileria parva infection in cattle). Evaluation of a cell culture schizont antigen fixed and stored in suspension

A schizont antigen for the indirect fluorescent antibody test against Theileria parva was prepared from a T parva-infected bovine lymphoblastoid cell line by fixing the cells in suspension with a mixture of acetone and formaldehyde. The antigen was stored in suspension in phosphate buffered saline for one and a half years at -60 degrees C without loss of activity; the antigen could also be lyophilised. The fluorescence of the intracellular schizonts was bright and specific with T parva positive bovine control serum and absent with negative bovine control serum and Theileria mutans positive bovine control serum. Fluorescence of the lymphoblastoid cell itself was observed with Trypanosoma brucei positive control serum and some bovine test sera: this fluorescence, which masked the intracellular schizonts, was eliminated by absorbing the sera in the supernatant of sonicated lymphocytes obtained from bovine lymph nodes. The antigen was evaluated with sera from cattle experimentally infected with T parva. In an epizootiological study on East Coast fever in the Coast Province of Kenya, there was good correlation between the serological responses of cattle to T parva schizont antigen and the distribution of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks.     

用溶血素从感染红细胞分离羊泰勒虫裂殖子

用嗜水气单胞菌产生的细胞毒素—溶血素Ah-1,裂解羊泰勒虫感染的红细胞,通过Percoll密度梯度离心分离羊泰勒虫裂殖子,建立了一种自感染红细胞中分离泰勒虫裂殖子的快速方法。光学显微镜观察显示,所分离的羊泰勒虫裂殖子基本保留原有的正常形态,并从宿主细胞成分中游离。     

Use of the indirect fluorescent antibody test in the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus antibodies in bovine serum.

The indirect fluorescent antibody test was adapted for identifying bovine respiratory syncytial virus and its specific antibody, using goat turbinate (GTU) cells. The virus caused maximal cytopathic effects in GTU cells 4 to 8 days postinfection, but fluorescence was not readily detected during this period. Fluorescence was maximal in infected GTU cells at 24 to 36 hours postinfection, but could be detected 48 hours postinfection. Bovine serums (331) which had been submitted to the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory were tested for antibodies to this virus, and 73.6% were found to be positive.     

An indirect fluorescent antibody test for antibodies to transmissible gastroenteritis of swine.

The indirect fluorescent antibody test was modified to provide a rapid technique for the detection, screening and titration of antibodies to transmissible gastroenteritis of pigs. Large numbers of slides containing transmissible gastroenteritis antigen were prepared by planting mixtures of infected and uninfected swine testicular cells onto multiwelled teflon-coated slides. After overnight incubation, about one-half of the cells in each well were infected which provided contrast to aid in detecting specific fluorescence in the presence of varying degrees of background staining. Following fixation, antigen slides were stored at -20 degrees C until used. The indirect fluorescent antibody test was compared to the virus neutralization test in both the screening and titration of swine sera containing transmissible gastroenteritis antibodies. The test was found to be sensitive and reliable and to offer certain advantages over the virus neutralization test.     

An indirect fluorescent antibody test for the detection of antibody to swine infertility and respiratory syndrome virus in swine sera.

An indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test was developed and standardized to detect and quantitate antibody for swine infertility and respiratory syndrome (SIRS) virus in swine sera. Test results were evaluated using sera of pigs infected both experimentally and naturally with SIRS virus. The IFA test used swine alveolar macrophage (SAM) monolayers prepared in 96-well microplates and infected with SIRS virus. The monolayers were incubated with test sera, washed, and stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled rabbit anti-swine IgG. After another wash step, the monolayers were examined under a fluorescent microscope. A noninfected SAM control well was included for each sample. The antibody titers for each serum sample were recorded as the highest serum dilutions with specific cytoplasmic fluorescence but no fluorescence in the control wells. To evaluate the test, sera of 4 6-week-old pigs that had been infected with SIRS virus, 2 contact pigs, and 13 experimentally infected sows were used. In the experimentally infected pigs, antibody was first detected at 7 days postexposure (PE) and peaked (1:256-1,024) between 11 and 21 days PE. All 13 sow sera were negative at time of infection but were positive (1:64- greater than or equal to 1:1,024) at 14-26 days PE. Seven hundred twenty sera collected from 25 different swine farms with or without a history of SIRS were also tested. Of 344 sera from 15 swine farms with a clinical history of SIRS, 257 (74.7%) sera had IFA titers greater than or equal to 1:4, whereas 371 (98.7%) of 376 sera from herds with no history of SIRS were negative.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Inhibition of Babesia divergens in cattle by oxytetracycline

The effects of continuous oxytetracycline administration on the development of parasitaemia of Babesia divergens during both natural and artificial infections were studied. During natural exposure on grazing heavily infested with Ixodes ricinus, seven out of 42 cattle with no previous exposure to tick-borne diseases were injected every four days with a long acting preparation of oxytetracycline at a dose rate of 20 mg/kg. During the six week grazing period 21 untreated cattle developed a patent parasitaemia of B divergens and all became seropositive by the fluorescent antibody test. In contrast, no parasites were observed in treated cattle and antibody titres remained low. Artificial infections were studied with different dose levels of oxytetracycline and their effects on antibody stimulation noted. First, four groups of cows were infected with 10(8) erythrocytes infected with B divergens, three groups being injected every four days with the long acting oxytetracycline formulation at dose levels of 20, 10 and 5 mg/kg, respectively. The highest level completely inhibited parasite replication and antibody formation; the same was observed in one animal dosed at 10 mg/kg but the remainder, plus those treated at 5 mg/kg, developed both low parasitaemia and high antibody titres. The untreated cows developed severe babesiosis. A further untreated control group was added and three weeks after cessation of oxytetracycline treatment all were infected with 10(9) erythrocytes infected with a homologous isolate of B divergens. The controls, plus those in which the previous infection had been completely inhibited, developed severe clinical babesiosis but the remainder were refractory to parasite development.     

Detection of African malignant catarrhal fever virus antigens in cell cultures by immunofluorescence

A fluorescent antibody (FA) test for antigens of African bovine wildebeest-derived malignant catarrhal fever virus was developed. Serum from one of the few survivors of the experimental disease in steers was used to prepare the conjugate. Both a virulent and an attenuated strain of malignant catarrhal fever virus were used to infect bovine thyroid cell cultures. Cells infected with both strains were readily detected by FA staining as early as 24 h post infection, whereas cytopathic effect could be observed by bright-field microscopy only after days 5 or 6 post infection. Controls consisting of normal bovine thyroid cells or infected cells treated with conjugated normal globulins did not show autofluorescence. The reaction was blocked by treatment of infected cells with homologous positive antisera but not by treatment with normal bovine serum or antisera to foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, bovine virus diarrhea, Ibaraki, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, or bovine herpes mammilitis viruses. Treated with African malgnant catarrhal fever virus conjugate did not react.     

Isolation of a cytopathic virus from weak pigs on farms with a history of swine infertility and respiratory syndrome.

Severe clinical signs of swine infertility and respiratory syndrome (SIRS) of unknown cause were observed in several Minnesota swine farms between November 1990 and March 1991. Forty-five lung samples of weak pigs were collected from 13 swine farms, and virus isolation was attempted using swine alveolar macrophage (SAM) cultures. A cytopathic virus was isolated from 19 lung samples collected from 6 different farms. Four pregnant sows were infected intranasally with a tissue suspension from which virus was isolated, and 4 6-week-old pigs and 2 contact pigs were infected intranasally with 1 of the isolates. The 4 sows farrowed 12 stillborn and 32 normal pigs. Virus was recovered from 10 of 19 pigs examined. Infected 6-week-old pigs were clinically normal except for slightly elevated rectal temperatures and mild respiratory signs. No or mild interstitial pneumonic lesions were observed in inoculated pigs, but the lesion was obvious in the 2 contact pigs. Seroconversion was observed in sows and pigs as measured by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA). Serologic identification of the isolates was carried out by IFA using reference serum prepared from an experimentally infected sow. A cytoplasmic fluorescence was observed on the SAM monolayers infected with each of the 19 different isolates. Fluorescence was also observed when the monolayers were tested with SIRS virus ATCC VR-2332-infected sow sera. Replication of the isolates was not affected in the medium containing 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine but was inhibited by treatment with ether. The isolates were relatively stable at 56 C and did not agglutinate with various erythrocytes tested.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Theileria orientalis in Iran

A benign species of Theileria of cattle in northern Iran proved to be indistinguishable from T. orientalis in the indirect fluorescent antibody test as well as in the morphology of its piroplasms. It was transmissible transstadially by Haemaphysalis punctata.     

Hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition with Chuzan virus.

Chuzan virus agglutinated erythrocytes of several species of animals including bovine. The hemagglutinating (HA) activity against bovine erythrocytes was dependent on NaCl molarity and was expressed best at 0.6 M, but it was independent of pH and temperature. Three strains of Chuzan virus isolated from 2 cows and a pool of culicoides midges had indistinguishable HA antigenicity. All cattle infected with the virus developed high titers of hemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibody which changed in parallel with neutralizing (NT) antibody titers. Correlation between HI and NT antibodies was very high and the antibodies persisted for one year or more. Therefore it was concluded that the HI test is applicable for survey of Chuzan virus infection among cattle in place of the NT test.