Detection and comparision of strains with selective L-hydantoin cleaving activity using polyclonal antibodies

Summary Polyclonal antibodies were produced against the highly purified enzymes L-hydantoinase, hydantoin-racemase and L-N-carbamoylamino acid amidohydrolase of Arthrobacter aurescens DSM 3747. Using these antibodies as screening tools, a colony transfer procedure allowed the rapid detection of highly active strains. Furthermore, common Western-blot analysis enabled the direct estimation of internal enzyme concentrations, protein turnover, efficiency of different inducers and a molecular comparison of enzymes derived from different sources. Using this method it is demonstrated that of several tested microorganisms, two Arthrobacter strains showed improved production abilities.     

Detection of complement-fixing antibodies to the Legionnaires' disease bacterium andChlamydia in animal and human sera

Because the sera of almost half of the Legionnaires' disease (LD) survivors we tested had antibodies toChlamydia psittaci as well as to the LD bacterium, we evaluated the possibility of LD/Chlamydia serological cross-reactivity by testing sera from Philadelphia LD survivors, other persons and animals exposed to or infected withC. psittaci, and unexposed humans and animals against identically prepared antigens of both agents. Using a complement fixation method, high-titered chlamydial antisera from cattle, sheep, horses, and guinea pigs in general had no antibodies to the LD antigen. Sera from a few chlamydia-infected animals had low LD antibody titers, but no substantial cross-reaction was observed. Of 21 human LD survivors, 100% had antibodies to the LD agent and 9 (43%) had chlamydial antibodies. Of 24 controls, 7 (29%) had LD antibodies, and 5 (21%) had chlamydial antibodies. Of 58 other persons who had no clinical history of pneumonia, 5 (9%) had LD antibodies and 15 (26%) had chlamydial antibodies. The serological data on animal antisera suggest there is no significant antigen sharing between the LD and chlamydial agents and therefore the increased incidence of chlamydial antibody in LD survivors is not due to exposure to LD antigen.     

Persistence of antibodies in blood and body fluids in decaying fox carcasses, as exemplified by antibodies against Microsporum canis

To assist in evaluating serological test results from dead animals, 10 silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and 10 blue foxes (Alopex lagopus), 6 of each species previously vaccinated against and all challenged with Microsporum canis, were blood sampled and euthanased. Fox carcasses were stored at +10°C, and autopsy was performed on Days 0, 2, 4, 7, and 11 post mortem during which samples from blood and/or body fluid from the thoracic cavity were collected. Antibodies against M. canis were measured in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as absorbance values (optical density; OD). To assess the degradation of antibodies, the ratio between post mortem and ante mortem absorbance was calculated. The mean absorbance from samples collected during autopsy was generally lower than from samples from live animals. In blood samples, this difference increased significantly with time (P = 0.04), while in body fluid samples the difference decreased (not significant; P = 0.18). We suggest that a positive serological result from testing blood or body fluid of a dead animal may be regarded as valuable, although specific prevalences obtained by screening populations based on this type of material may represent an under-estimation of the true antibody prevalence. Negative serological test results based on material from carcasses may be less conclusive, taken into account the general degradation processes in decaying carcasses, also involving immunoglobulin proteins.     

A seroprevalence survey of Toxoplasma gondii in common wombats (Vombatus ursinus)

Serum was collected from 23 wild common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) on a pastoral property in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia (231N 616E) between 3rd August 2001 and 25th March 2002. The serum was tested using three serological methods for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Six animals (26.1%) were shown to have antibodies to T. gondii. The latex agglutination test proved to be less sensitive than the direct agglutination test or the modified agglutination test. This is the first serological survey of T. gondii in wombats. This is the first recorded use of the latex agglutination test on wombat serum. This study demonstrated the highest percentage of seropositive animals in any serological survey for T. gondii in marsupials.     

Labeling of antibodies with radioactive isotopes in plant virus serology

Antibodies isolated from antiserum against plant viruses were labeled with the isotope³⁵S as follows: the mixture of antibodies with radioactive cysteine hydrochloride was allowed to stand for half an hour, run on a Sephadex G-25 column and individual fractions were collected. Sephadex G-50 bed was equilibrated and washed with saline (0,85 % NaCl) phosphate buffer (0,01 m) pH 7,2. Fractions showing the highest radioactivity and at the same time the most evident serological reaction were combined and used as³⁵S labeled antibodies. The labeled antibodies were used for rubbing leaves; the leaves were afterwards incubated, washed, killed, dried and then subjected to autoradiography. The method of indirect serological reaction also proved to be very good. Using this method, pig gamma globulin against rabbit gamma globulin was labeled with³⁵ S; this labeled gamma globulin was then used to detect serological reaction on leaves between the virus and homologous rabbit antiserum and/or antibodies. The results of those reactions were also determined by autoradiography. Exact procedure for labeling antibodies, carrying out serological reactions and autoradiography is desribed.     

Antigenic Relationship Between Plasmodium falciparum and Babesia bovis: Reactivity with Antibodies to Culture-Derived Soluble Exoantigens1

Antigenic similarities between Plasmodium and Babesia parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa have been previously demonstrated primarily by the serological cross reactivity observed in the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. We have now studied the antigenic relationship between the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, and the hemoparasitic agent of cattle, Babesia bovis, using rabbit monospecific antibodies produced against individual culture-derived P. falciparum polypeptides and bovine polyspecific antibodies to B. bovis exoantigens. These respective antibodies were found to be distinctly cross reactive in the IFA test using infected erythrocytes (squirrel monkey—P. falciparum; bovine—B. bovis) as antigen substrates. Immunofluorescence was shown to be highly specific for parasite surfaces. Additionally, the degree of reactivity with soluble exoantigens contained in Plasmodium and Babesia culture supernatants was monitored by a two-site enzyme immunoassay employing the cross-reactive antibodies. Further evidence for antigenic cross reactivity between P. falciparum and B. bovis parasites was shown with the in vitro inhibition assay. Antibodies to P. falciparum and B. bovis were found to be highly inhibitory for the in vitro growth of P. falciparum in human erythrocytes.     

Rubella in teenagers: epidemiology and prophylaxis in Siena, Italy

Six hundred and fifty-three teenagers (aged 11-13 year) living in Siena and its surroundings (Tuscany, Italy) were the sample for serological screening intended to ascertain immunity to rubella. It was found that 324 of the teenagers (49.62%) lacked antibodies and, hence, were unprotected against the infection. Out of the 324 girls, 196 (around 3/5) were vaccinated using live vaccine. Post-vaccinal complications, with clinical signs of rubella infection, were recorded in almost one third of the vaccinees. Virus isolation from the blood was, in every case, not possible after either 10 or 30 days from vaccination. The serological findings, expressed in hemagglutination inhibition antibodies, could be summarized in the following way: (i) antibodies at low titre were found in only eight out of 184 girls (4.35%) ten days after vaccination; (ii) serological conversion was recorded in 187 out of 188 girls (99.47%) 30 days after vaccination; (iii) the titres were moderately high but much lower than those recorded for the natural infection. The results are discussed in the context of their implications for the strategies of rubella vaccination as far as the safety and the effectiveness of the vaccine are concerned, with emphasis on the duration of the protective immunity.     

SEROLOGICAL STUDIES IN BAPTISIA AND CERTAIN OTHER GENERA OF THE LEGUMINOSAE

Fourteen species of Baptisia were compared serologically, using antiserum against B. nuttalliana. By means of both immunoelectrophoretic and double-diffusion techniques, it was possible to disclose 11 distinct arcs plus some weaker arcs, with few reliable (definite and repeatable) differences detected among the species of Baptisia investigated. Since the individual species of Baptisia are often quite distinctive, as judged by other chemical and morphological criteria, the serological data are in this instance conservative and appear to be effective in circumscribing the genus. In contrast, striking interspecific differences in the serological properties of unicellular green algae have been obtained (reported elsewhere) by similar techniques in this laboratory. It is concluded that serological data should be regarded as adjuncts to other systematic knowledge only on the basis of empirical manifestations of their utility. There is no clear justification for regarding serological data as intrinsically either superior or inferior to other systematic criteria.     

Serological diagnosis and prognostic of tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis using a conserved Leishmania hypothetical protein

New candidates for serological markers against leishmaniasis are required to be identified, since the presence of high titers of anti-Leishmania antibodies remain detected in sera of treated and cured patients, when current antigens have being employed. In this study, the diagnostic performance of a conserved Leishmania hypothetical protein was evaluated against a human and canine serological panel. The serological follow-up of the patients was also evaluated, using this recombinant antigen (rLiHyS) in ELISA assays. In the results, high sensitivity and specificity values were found when rLiHyS was used in the serological tests, while when the recombinant A2 (rA2) protein or an antigenic Leishmania preparation were used as controls, low sensitivity and specificity were found. Regarding the serological follow-up of the patients, significant reductions in the anti-rLiHyS antibody levels were found and, one year after the treatments, the anti-protein IgG production was similar to this found in the non-infected groups, reflecting a drop of the anti-rLiHyS antibody production. In conclusion, the present study shows for the first time a new recombinant antigen used to identify tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis, as well as being able to serologically distinguish treated and cured patients from those developing active disease.     

Immunology of the pathogen virulence and phytotoxin production in relation to disease severity: a case study in sheath blight of rice

Polyclonal antibodies against purifiedRhizoctonia solani toxin obtained from infected rice sheath tissues (sheath blight toxin, SBT) and culture filtrates (culture filtrate toxin, CFT) were developed in rabbit and chicken. The IgG was isolated from serum and egg yolk of rabbit and chicken, respectively, and their specificity was investigated by indirect ELISA. Antibodies developed against CFT and SBT in rabbits exhibited relatively higher titer values when compared to chicken antibodies. Positive correlation was observed between the degree of sheath blighting and the levels of antigens induced by each isolate during sheath blight symptome development as detected by rabbit SBT antibody and the isolate RS7 was identified as most virulent. Optimization of incubation period for maximum toxin production in liquid medium and rice sheaths indicated that the production of CFT and SBT is maximum after 15 d and 6 d of pathogen inoculation. Studies of the possible translocation of RS-toxin in rice plants upon inoculation withR. solani showed downward translocation as detected by rabbit/chicken SBT antibodies. Since plant inoculation required a higher concentration of inoculum and maintenance of plants, serological assay by ELISA is more sensitive than whole-plant assays in detecting RS-toxin, with the advantage that ELISA also allows rapid determination of RS-toxin production.     

Detection of Verocytotoxin from Stool and Serological Testing of Patients with Diarrhea Caused by Escherichia coli O157: H 7

The detecion of verocytotoxin (VT) in stool and measurement of antibodies against VT and three antigens (unheated-antigen, LPS, and flagellin) of Escherichia coli O157: H7 in the serum of patients with diarrhea were examined. Five of 14 inpatients during an outbreak had fecal VT2 in stool taken within 5 days of onset to hospitalization. Among these 5, 3 of them also had fecal VT-producing E. coli (VTEC) serotype O157: H7, whereas the other 2 did not. In the passive hemagglutination (PHA) test with formalinized sheep red blood cells sensitized with theee VTEC O157: H7 antigens, 49 (74.2%) of 66 outbreak patients and 3 of 3 sporadic cases had antibodies against both or one of unheated-antigen and LPS of E. coli O157, but none had antibody against flagellin. In addition, anti-VT2 antibody was demonstrated in serum samples from 15 (94%) of 16 inpatients and 2 (4%) of 50 outpatients in an outbreak by a VT-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (VT-ELISA). These results showed that serological assay particularly for antibodies against VT and unheated-antigen or LPS of VTEC O157 may provide a useful tool for diagnosis of infection with VTEC O157.     

Serological evidence for the presence of non-pathogenic rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus-like strains in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) of the Kerguelen archipelago

Antibodies raised against a Lagovirus were found in healthy rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus sampled in 2003 and 2004 in the Kerguelen archipelago. The serological test we used enabled the detection of antibodies due to both pathogenic and non-pathogenic viruses related to the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). The overall proportion of seropositive rabbits was 35% and differed between sites. Since previous studies have failed to detect antibodies raised against pathogenic RHDV strains, the antibodies detected in the present study were likely due to non-pathogenic strains. The interest of these strains circulating in the Kerguelen archipelago is that they have evolved independently of those detected in the other parts of the world and should derive from an ancestral RHDV precursor. Their characterization may help understanding the evolution of the virus and the emergence of the disease.     

Circulating IgG antibodies against fungal and actinomycete antigens in the sera of farmer's lung patients from different countries

Sixty-nine farmer's lung patients and 28 normal controls from four countries (Finland, Switzerland, Canada and the United States) were investigated for antibody levels against 13 antigens commonly used for the screening panel for hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Of these antigens, eight were from the Medical College of Wisconsin (United States) and five were from the University of Kuopio (Finland). IgG antibodies against these antigens were studied in 97 sera using a sensitive biotin-avidin-linked enzyme immunoassay. The results indicate that the mean antibody titer against Micropolyspora faeni was highest in the United States (U.S.) followed by Finland. Both Finnish and U.S. antigens reacted almost identically against various groups of patients, although the degree of reactivity varied considerably. Higher antibody levels against Thermoactinomyces vulgaris were detected in Finnish patients than patients from other countries while patients from all four countries showed elevated levels of antibodies against T. candidus. This study demonstrates that antigens from identical species, irrespective of geographic origin, reacted similarly. However, variability between antigens of the same species was still considerably significant. Since the microbiological flora of moldy hay varies widely in different regions, the microbial species associated with the disease at a given geographical area has to be determined before selecting antigens for serological studies. The antigens currently used in various laboratories are crude preparations and need to be purified and standardized for dependable results. Until such antigens are available, all antigenic preparations used in the immunological evaluation of patients should be immunochemically characterized for their reproducibility and reliability although the ultimate goal should be to obtain standardized pure antigens for dependable immunodiagnosis of farmer's lung.     

Relationship between unicellular cyanobacteria established by indirect immunofluorescence of intact cells

Antisera prepared against intact, viable cells were used to show the applicability of a serological approach to detect relationships between unicellular cyanobacteria. Antisera were raised against eight unicellular cyanobacteria and two chlorophycean unicellular organisms. The staining reactivity of each antiserum was tested by the fixed indirect immunofluorescence assay against the different organisms, and each organism was tested for its reactivity with all of the different antisera. Absorption of antisera with the appropriate heterologous antigens was used to further characterize the relationship betweenAnacystis nidulans andSynechococcus cedrorum, and also the relationship between two subcultures of an isolate distinguished by morphological features. Absorption of antiserum was also used for the removal of antibodies to contaminating bacteria. The approaches used are suggested as a useful tool for determining relationships between unicellular cyanobacteria.     

Henipavirus neutralising antibodies in an isolated island population of African fruit bats

Isolated islands provide valuable opportunities to study the persistence of viruses in wildlife populations, including population size thresholds such as the critical community size. The straw-coloured fruit bat, Eidolon helvum, has been identified as a reservoir for henipaviruses (serological evidence) and Lagos bat virus (LBV; virus isolation and serological evidence) in continental Africa. Here, we sampled from a remote population of E. helvum annobonensis fruit bats on Annobón island in the Gulf of Guinea to investigate whether antibodies to these viruses also exist in this isolated subspecies. Henipavirus serological analyses (Luminex multiplexed binding and inhibition assays, virus neutralisation tests and western blots) and lyssavirus serological analyses (LBV: modified Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation test, LBV and Mokola virus: lentivirus pseudovirus neutralisation assay) were undertaken on 73 and 70 samples respectively. Given the isolation of fruit bats on Annobón and their lack of connectivity with other populations, it was expected that the population size on the island would be too small to allow persistence of viruses that are thought to cause acute and immunising infections. However, the presence of antibodies against henipaviruses was detected using the Luminex binding assay and confirmed using alternative assays. Neutralising antibodies to LBV were detected in one bat using both assays. We demonstrate clear evidence for exposure of multiple individuals to henipaviruses in this remote population of E. helvum annobonensis fruit bats on Annobón island. The situation is less clear for LBV. Seroprevalences to henipaviruses and LBV in Annobón are notably different to those in E. helvum in continental locations studied using the same sampling techniques and assays. Whilst cross-sectional serological studies in wildlife populations cannot provide details on viral dynamics within populations, valuable information on the presence or absence of viruses may be obtained and utilised for informing future studies.     

Use of Monoclonal Antibodies for Differentiation of Different Isolates of Phytomonas (Plant Trypanosomatids)

The Phytomonas genus was created arbitrarily to designate plant trypanosomes. A serological study with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies was carried out to situate these trypanosomatids with respect to other trypanosomatids - Herpetomonas, Crithidia, Trypanosoma - and to compare different plant trypanosome strains with each other. The use of monoclonal antibodies directed against two different isolates makes it possible to distinguish plant trypanosomatids according to their geographical origin and to separate clearly the plant trypanosomatids from the South of France from other lower trypanosomatids, which seems to justify creating the Phytomonas genus.     

Characterization and Serological Detection of Four Closterovirus-like Particles Associated with Leafroll Disease on Grapevine

Four serologically unrelated closterovirus-like particles (GLRV-1, GLRV-2, GLRV-3 and GLRV-4) were isolated in our laboratory from leafroll diseased grapevines. Polyclonal antibodies raised against these particles were useful for their characterization and their detection in infected plants. The coat proteins of these four serotypes were characterized by a SDS-PAGE after denaturation, followed by a transfer on nitrocellulose sheet and immunoprinting using the specific polyclonal antibodies. The capsid of GLRV-1, GLRV-2, GLRV-3 and GLRV-4 contains a single protein species with molecular weight of about 39 Kd, 26 Kd, 43 Kd and 36 Kd respectively. No serological relation was found between these four filamentous particles either by ELISA, immuno electron microscopy or immunoblotting experiments. Serological analysis of many grapevines originating from the Middle East and Europe showed a very close association between the presence of GLRV-1, GLRV-2, GLRV-3 and GLRV-4 antigens, and leafroll symptoms on Vitis vinifera Pinot Noir. This association was confirmed by testing symptomless and diseased grapevines collected in the field, and by serological analysis of heat treated plants originally infected by GLRV-1 and GLRV-3, which are the most widespread antigens detected in leafroll infected grapevines.     

The use of serological techniques for virus surveillance and certification of finfish

Virus surveillance and certification procedures for finfish have traditionally relied upon isolation of replicating agents in cell culture and identification using serological procedures. However, accurate monitoring may also be achieved using techniques to detect fish antibodies against viral disease agents. The serological procedures most used for detection of fish antibodies are the serum neutralization test and immunofluorescence. Other techniques such as enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) have been less commonly used. Using infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) as examples, this paper reviews the serological test procedures used for rhabdoviral surveillance and the applications of this methodology to viral epizootiology and certification of finfish.     

Some properties ofStreptococcus thermophilus bacteriophages

The morphology, host range, structural proteins and serological properties ofStreptococcus thermophilus phages isolated from Finnish cheese plants were investigated. The results show that all the nine phages belong morphologically to Ackermann’s group B1. The host—phage reactions and plating efficiency justify the division of these phages into four specificity groups. Most of the phages showed an absolute host specificity as to their plating efficiency but were not strictly specific in the adsorption to different hosts. The electrophoretic profiles of the structural proteins appeared nearly identical. Ten to eleven well separated proteins could be detected. The antiserum raised against one of the phages contained antibodies with different neutralization capacity depending on the phage. Using an immunoblotting technique, four structural proteins were detected that could bind phage antibodies.     

Production and properties of monoclonal antibodies to Solanum nodiflorum mottle sobemovirus

Black raspberry necrosis virus (BRNV) reaches only very low concentrations in herbaceous plants and is difficult to maintain in culture. However, in a mixed culture with an unrelated virus, Solanum nodiflorum mottle (SNMV), in the genus Sobemovirus, the concentration of BRNV particles increases about 1000‐fold. In attempts to produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to BRNV for diagnostic use, purified virus particles from the mixed virus culture were used as immunogen and the resultant antibodies screened against cultures of SNMV alone, BRNV+SNMV and healthy plant extracts. None of the virus‐specific MAbs obtained in this way was specific to BRNV but six were specific to SNMV. Although the original objective was not achieved, the SNMV MAbs were characterised and used to study serological properties of SNMV and other Sobemoviruses. Characterisation of the six SNMV MAbs showed that four were IgG3, one IgG1 and the other IgG2b. SNMV was detected by all six MAbs in ELISA, by five in Western blotting, by three in agarose gel double diffusion tests, but only one was suitable for trapping virus particles in immuno‐electron microscopy (IEM). In Western blotting using virus in sap extracts of Nicotiana clevelandii, each of the five MAbs detected a single major band of Mc. 31 000 in sap containing SNMV, and additional bands of lower mass attributed to degradation of coat protein. In various serological tests, no cross‐reactions were detected between SNMV and seven other viruses from the genus Sobemovirus. However, in IEM but not in Western blotting, significant cross‐reactions were observed between SNMV and Velvet tobacco mottle virus, another species from the genus Sobemovirus. The significance of these different findings is discussed.