ELISA-Based Development of Functional Antibodies for the Efficient Detection of Mycotoxigenic Fusarium (F. oxysporum and F. circinatum) and Diplodia (D. pinea) Species

Phumzile Mkhize,Phetole Mangena

doi:10.3844/ajbbsp.2020.529.537

Abstract

Fusarium contains the most toxigenic and important fungal pathogens, producing a wide range of mycotoxins that include the more toxic secondary metabolites called fumonisins. This study analyzed the presence of common exo- and mycelium-soluble antigens, purified proteins using reducing SDS-PAGE and the expression of antibodies against different fungal pathogens. The results showed the presence of common antigens between pathogens and development of antibodies against antigens from F. circinatum, F. oxysporum and D. pinea. A strong reactivity against the antigens ranged between 0.510 to 0.868 in F. circinatum and F. oxysporum isolates. The reactivity of anti-D. pinea antibodies was relatively low, with the highest absorbance value of 0.650, accompanied by a minimal cross reactivity. Overall, these findings indicated that, antibodies against mycelium-soluble antigens were the most immuno-reactive and could be helpful for the development of a rapid Fusarium detection tool for use in various industries.

Highlights

Fusarium contain the most toxigenic and important fungal pathogens, producing a wide range of mycotoxins, including the more toxic secondary metabolites called fumonisins (Bubici et al, 2019)
The objective of the current paper was to investigate the development of specific functional antibodies against Fusarium antigens isolated from D. pinea, F. circinatum and F. oxysporum for potential use as a detection tool in various industries such as veterinary, medical and agricultural sector
Similar protein band profile in mycelium-soluble antigens of D. pinea was observed where unique and prominent bands were observed at approximately 34 kDa and 39 kDa, which did not appear in any lanes of F. circinatum and F. oxysporum (Fig. 2, lane 2-4)

Summary

Introduction

Fusarium contain the most toxigenic and important fungal pathogens, producing a wide range of mycotoxins, including the more toxic secondary metabolites called fumonisins (Bubici et al, 2019). As a result of these effects, Fusarium species have a considerable impact on ecological, economic and social dynamics of the millions of people around the world. These fungal pathogens cause reduction in the growth of agro economically important plant species by causing pitch canker, wilts (especially in seedlings), gibberella ear rot, crown rot and head blight, as well as other symptoms/toxigenic effects seen in a number of crops including pine trees, sorghum, maize and wheat (Gordon et al, 2015; Beukes et al, 2017)

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