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ABSTRACT: Animal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma bovis is a veterinary problem in many areas of the world. It affects a large number of animals and causes important economic losses in livestock production. The 22.6kDa antigen is a tegumental protein of unknown function, restricted to schistosomes. In S. bovis it has been identified in the tegument and in an excretion-secretion extract, consisting of several, non-glycosylated isoforms that are recognised by the sera of animals infected with S. bovis. The aims of the present work were to clone, sequence, express and characterize at molecular level the S. bovis 22.6 antigen (Sb22.6), as well as to assess the usefulness of the corresponding recombinant protein as a diagnostic antigen in ELISA tests for the detection of free-range cattle farms infested with S. bovis. Immunolocalization studies revealed that Sb22.6 is expressed in the tegument and some internal tissues of the adult worms, but it is not exposed on the surface of the adult worms and schistosomula. The reactivity of the recombinant Sb22.6 (rSb22.6) in ELISA against antibodies in sera from S. bovis experimentally infected hamsters and sera from free-range cattle from a S. bovis endemic area showed that the recombinant protein and the soluble extract of adult worms (SbC) exhibited a similar diagnostic performance. In addition, rSb22.6 did not show cross-reactions with antibodies against Fasciola hepatica, also a frequent trematode parasite in cattle. The rSb22.6 antigen can be readily produced in large amounts and in a highly reproducible fashion, avoiding the types of problem that arise upon using crude extracts such as the SbC. In conclusion, this protein represents a promising epidemiological tool for the surveillance of S. bovis and may help to implement control measures in the areas and farms were the parasite is present.
Veterinary Parasitology 06/2012; · 2.58 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Annexins belong to an evolutionarily conserved multigene family of proteins expressed throughout the animal and plant kingdoms. Although they are soluble cytosolic proteins that lack signal sequences, they have also been detected in extracellular fluids and have been associated with cell surface membranes, where they could be involved in anti-haemostatic and anti-inflammatory functions. Schistosome annexins have been identified on the parasite's tegument surface and excretory/secretory products, but their functions are still unknown. Here we report the cloning, sequencing, in silico analysis, and functional characterization of a Schistosoma bovis annexin. The predicted protein has typical annexin secondary and tertiary structures. Bioassays with the recombinant protein revealed that the protein is biologically active in vitro, showing fibrinolytic and anticoagulant properties. Finally, the expression of the native protein on the tegument surface of S. bovis schistosomula and adult worms is demonstrated, revealing the possibility of exposure to the host's immune system and thus offering a potential vaccine target for the control of schistosomiasis in ruminants.
Veterinary Parasitology 08/2011; 184(1):25-36. · 2.58 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Four different recombinant antigens derived from Echinococcus granulosus, designated B1t, B2t, E14t, and C317, were tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in patients with unilocular hydatid disease (UHD). The results were compared to those obtained with hydatid fluid and were subjected to receiver operator characteristic analysis. The diagnostic performance of the above-listed proteins was defined with respect to their specificity, sensitivity, and predictive values (PV); the influence of cyst location; and usefulness in the follow-up of surgical treatment for UHD and in the determination of whether or not patients have been surgically cured of UHD. The best diagnostic results were obtained with the anti-B2t IgG ELISA, with 91.2% sensitivity, 93% specificity, and high positive and negative PV (89.4 and 94.2, respectively). In addition, this diagnostic tool proved to be useful for the follow-up of surgically treated UHD patients. The anti-B2t IgG ELISA may find an application in the serodiagnosis of UHD in clinical laboratories.
Clinical and vaccine immunology: CVI 02/2008; 15(1):147-53. · 2.37 Impact Factor
