Abstract
BackgroundScabies caused by Sarcoptes scabiei is a widespread but a neglected tropical zoonosis. In this study, we characterised a S. scabiei thioredoxin peroxidase (SsTPx) and evaluated a recombinant SsTPx as a diagnostic antigen in rabbits.MethodsThe open reading frame of the gene encoding SsTPx-2 was amplified and the recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli cells and purified. SsTPx was localized in mite tissue by immunolocalisation using the purified recombinant protein. Serodiagnosis assays were carried out in 203 New Zealand White rabbit serum samples by dot-ELISA.ResultThe open reading frame (489 bp) of the gene encodes an 18.11 kDa protein, which showed highly homology to that of Psoroptes cuniculi (98.77% identity) and belongs to the 2-Cys family of peroxiredoxins. SsTPx was mainly distributed in muscle tissues of mites, integument of the epidermis and the anterior end of S. scabiei. Although SsTPx cross-reactivity with psoroptic mites was observed, the SsTPx dot-ELISA showed excellent diagnostic ability, with 95.3% sensitivity and 93.8% specificity in mange-infected and uninfected groups.ConclusionsThis study showed that the purified SsTPx is a highly sensitive antigen for the diagnosis of mange infection by dot-ELISA. This technique is a rapid and convenient method that can be used worldwide for the clinical diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in rabbits, and is especially useful in developing regions.
Highlights
Scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabiei is a widespread but a neglected tropical zoonosis
This study showed that the purified S. scabiei thioredoxin peroxidase (SsTPx) is a highly sensitive antigen for the diagnosis of mange infection by dot-enzymelinked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs)
Recombinant SsTPx was significantly expressed as an insoluble protein with a molecular weight of approximately 40 kDa (Figure 2)
Summary
Scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabiei is a widespread but a neglected tropical zoonosis. Scabies has been reported as a widespread but a neglected tropical disease that is highly contagious in conditions of overcrowding, poverty and poor hygiene [1,2,3]. Scabies typically causes pruritus which is frequently more intense at night, and skin inflammation, inducing papular or vesicular lesions related to the burrowing mites and their products [3,7]. Scabies can be difficult to identify because of severe scratching, inflammation or secondary bacterial infection resulting in misdiagnosis [9]. The pathognomonic evidence for the diagnosis of scabies is the burrow. The development of efficient methods for the correct identification of scabies and sarcoptic mange is required to reduce the spread of this infection
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
