Generation of monoclonal antibodies to vertebrate albumins for analysis of arthropod blood meals |
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Authors: | Lori Kae Schwab James B Nardi Theresa Holly Liping Wang Janie Frye Robert J Novak |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, U.S.A.;2. Immunological Resource Center, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, U.S.A.;3. Medical Entomology Laboratory, Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, IL 61820, U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | An immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that are specific for different vertebrate taxa (from class to species) has been developed that simplifies and facilitates analysis of vertebrate blood meals from arthropod vectors. The MAbs have been prepared against the single protein albumin, the most abundant protein in vertebrate sera. A panel of these antibodies has been generated against albumins from 33 species of vertebrates, representing four classes, 15 orders, and 25 families. Immunoreactivity of albumin in mosquito blood meals can be detected as late as 48 h after feeding. Immunoassays with MAbs can be carried out in the field as well as the laboratory. Used in conjunction with nucleic acid assays or used alone with an appropriate assortment of antibodies, the assay is simple, sensitive, and unambiguous. |
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Keywords: | Blood meal monoclonal antibodies albumin arthropod vectors immunoassay vertebrate sera |
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