Indirect ELISA Technique Research Articles

Immunogenicity of the Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (BBIBPCorV) in Hemodialysis Patients: A Case-Control Study

Background: Studies have shown that immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines are impaired in dialysis patients, which may affect their immunity to vaccines. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate SARS-COV-2 neutralizing antibodies in hemodialysis patients for 2 and 6 weeks after receiving inactivated Sinopharm vaccine. Method: In this study, 172 people were divided into two groups. The first group included 108 hemodialysis patients, while the second group included 64 health workers as a control group. To evaluate SARS-COV-2 neutralizing antibody titers, peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants 2 and 6 weeks after receiving the second dose of the Sinopharm vaccine. Samples were centrifuged, and the neutralizing antibody against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) was determined using the indirect ELISA technique. Results: Hemodialysis patients had lower IgG-neutralizing antibody titers than the control group (P <0.001). The titers of SARS-COV-2 neutralizing antibodies were not significantly different at two weeks compared to six weeks after vaccination (P=0.9204). Our findings showed a significant increase in titers of IgGneutralizing antibodies after vaccination in people with a history of COVID-19 (P=0.002). The seropositivity rate for neutralizing antibodies against RBD was significantly different between seropositive (immune) and seronegative (non-immune) patients six weeks after vaccination (P=0.022). Conclusion: The titers of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-COV-2 were lower in hemodialysis patients than in healthy individuals. This is probably due to the poor immune system. However, patients who received two doses of inactivated Sinopharm vaccine showed a higher antibody titer six weeks after vaccination.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies in dairy cattle herds using bulk tank milk analysis in Kabylia area, north Algeria.

Coxiella burnetii, or Q fever agent, has notable implications for human and livestock health. Infections in cattle primarily manifest through reproductive issues where infected animals shed the bacterium in birth fluids, placental tissues, and milk, serving as potential sources of transmission. Bovine herds become reservoirs, contributing to the environmental contamination of farming areas. Comprehensive studies on the prevalence, transmission routes, and associated risk factors among cattle contribute to the development of effective control strategies, ultimately safeguarding both livestock and public health.Here we determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies against in dairy cattle farms from Kabylia (northern Algeria) and identify the associated risk factors. Bulk tank milk samples from 184 farms were analyzed by indirect ELISA technique, 49 of them were tested positive which corresponds to a prevalence rate of 26.63% (95% CI 20.25-33.01%). Multivariate analysis by logistic regression showed that the risk factors associated with detection of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies are: cohabitation of cattle with small ruminants(OR = 3.74 95% CI [1.41-8.92]), exposure to prevailing winds (OR = 5.12 95% CI [2.11-13.45]), and the veterinarian visits frequency(OR = 5.67 95% CI [2.55-13.60]). These findings underscore the susceptibility of dairy cattle to Q fever in the Kabylia region, highlighting practices that pose risks. We recommend the implementation of hygienic measures and adherence to proper farming conditions to mitigate the transmission of Q fever and reduce the associated zoonotic risk.

Development and Evaluation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Targeting Rabies-Specific IgM and IgG in Human Sera.

Immunity from rabies depends on rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNA) induced after immunization; however, the influence of antibody isotype switching has not been extensively investigated. This has become particularly relevant with changes in World Health Organization (WHO) recommended rabies vaccine regimens that may influence RVNA isotype kinetics, potentially affecting the peak, and longevity, of RVNA immunoglobulin (IgG) levels. We developed rapid and reliable assays for quantifying the anti-rabies IgM/IgG class switch in human serum based on an indirect ELISA technique. The immune response was tracked in ten individuals naïve to the rabies vaccine by quantifying serum titers weekly, from day seven to day 42 post-immunization, using a serum neutralization assay and the ELISA IgM/IgG assays. The average RVNA IU/mL levels were at D0 ≤ 0.1, D7 0.24, D14 8.36, D21 12.84, D28 25.74 and D42 28.68. Levels of specific IgM antibodies to rabies glycoprotein (EU/mL) were higher, on average, at D7, 1.37, and from D14, 5.49, to D21, 6.59. In contrast, average IgG antibodies (EU/mL) predominated from D28, 10.03, to D42, 14.45. We conclude that levels of anti-rabies IgM/IgG at D28 characterize the isotype class switch. These assays, combined with serum neutralization assays, distinguished the RVNA levels in terms of the IgM/IgG responses and are expected to add to the diagnostic repertoire, provide additional information in establishing rabies vaccine regimens, both post- and pre-exposure prophylaxis, and contribute to research efforts.

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD): Etiology, Pathogenesis, Prevention and Control

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is one of the diseases that pose a threat to the livestock industry because it can cause large economic losses. The disease was first discovered in the country of Zambia in 1929. In Indonesia, LSD was first discovered in early 2022 in Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau. This disease is caused by a virus belonging to the genus Capripoxvirus, subfamily chordopoxvirinae, family Poxviridae. The LSD virus has a limited host and does not infect non-ruminant hosts. A characteristic clinical symptom of LSD is the appearance of nodules on the skin. Diagnosis of this disease can be done by looking at typical clinical symptoms, laboratory tests such as virus isolation, serological tests (serum neutralization test, virus neutralization test (VNT), agar gel immune diffusion, indirect ELISA, and indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT)), real time and conventional PCR, immunohistochemistry, LAMP, and IPMA. Prevention and control of LSD disease can be done in several ways such as vaccination, vector control, restriction of livestock traffic, strict quarantine and stamping out.

Paratuberculose clínica bovina: primeiro relato no estado do Pará

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to describe the clinical, pathological, and serological aspects of paratuberculosis in a bullock on dairy and beef farm in the municipality of Inhangapí, state of Pará. The animal was raised extensively and presented progressive weight loss, pale mucous membranes, and chronic diarrhea. A blood sample was collected for serology by the indirect ELISA technique. Due to the unfavorable prognosis, the animal was euthanized and necropsied. At necropsy, there was thickened and wrinkled intestinal mucosa, enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes and liquid intestinal contents with a brown color. Organ fragments were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin wax, cut, and stained by hematoxylin and eosin and by Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. Histopathology showed intense granulomatous infiltration with Langhans giant cells in the lamina propria and submucosa of the small intestine, Peyer patches and mesenteric lymph nodes. Ziehl-Neelsen staining revealed many intralesional acid-fast bacilli. Antibody searching against Mycobacterium avium (subsp.) paratuberculosis was positive. The diagnosis of paratuberculosis was based on epidemiological, clinical, pathological, and serological data. This is the first report of clinical paratuberculosis, confirmed by pathology and serology, in a bullock in the state of Pará.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Infection among Young Adults in Ilorin

Hepatitis A infection is predominantly caused by Hepatitis A virus which is transmitted by fecal-oral route through contaminated food or drinks. The virus’s ability to cause hepatitis poses as a major hazard to public health. This study was done to discover the widespread presence of hepatitis A among young adults in Ilorin, Kwara State. A Cross sectional sampling technique was employed to select the study population. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to acquire demographic information of the cohorts. Four hundred (400) young adults residing in Ilorin were the participants in the study.
 Five mls of venous blood sample were obtained from each of the participants through venipuncture technique. The blood samples were separated and the serum used for qualitative analysis of hepatitis A virus IgG using EIA and indirect ELISA technique (Abbexa Ltd, UK).
 Out of the four hundred (400) healthy young adult subjects, an overall distribution of 1.5% IgG Hepatitis A were found among participants in Ilorin. Fulminant stooling, location, gender, educational level, age and occupation were risk factors for acquiring Hepatitis A infection. There was significant difference between Hepatitis A infection and Fulminant stooling (p<0.05). Previous history of blood transfusion was not statistically associated as a potential risk factor for Hepatitis A infection among Inhabitants in Ilorin. High prevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus IgG levels of the antibody was reported among young adult in this study. Based on the findings of this study, screening of hepatitis A virus for blood transfusion and food vendors, personal hygiene are highly advocated.

Improved Dot-ELISA Assay Using Purified Sheep Coenurus cerebralis Antigenic Fractions for the Diagnosis of Zoonotic Coenurosis

Clinicians face significant problems in the diagnosis of zoonotic coenurosis. The current study aimed to develop an improved dot-Enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) for the diagnosis of zoonotic coenurosis using sheep Coenurus cerebralis scolices purified antigen (CcS-Ag) and to compare the obtained results with those of indirect ELISA and Enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot technique (EITB). Sera were collected from humans and sheep infected or suspected of infection with Coenurus cerebralis, control cases, and cases infected with other parasites. The CcS-Ag was proved to be the most specific antigen. This antigen was fractionated, and its specific polypeptides against anti-C. cerebralis antibodies (ACc-Ab) were identified using EITB. Fractions at the molecular weight (MW) of 48 and 58 kDa were proved as the only specific ones, eluted from the gel and concentrated, then dotted on the NC sheet as pooled antigen before its evaluation in the diagnosis of infection using dot-ELISA. Dot-ELISA demonstrated absolute 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity as recorded by EITB, compared to both fractions on a nitrocellulose (NC) sheet using surgically proved infected human or sheep sera as a gold standard. Diagnosis by ELISA using crude CcS-Ag revealed similar sensitivity but lower specificity (75%). The diagnostic accuracy of dot-ELISA was proved by comparing its results with postmortem data obtained post slaughtering of 20 suspected sheep and patients investigated by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In conclusion, the selection of specific fractions after EITB to be used in dot-ELISA improved the diagnostic value of the test as a diagnostic tool gathering the benefits of ELISA and EITB.

Chikungunya Virus E2 Structural Protein B-Cell Epitopes Analysis.

The Togaviridae family comprises a large and diverse group of viruses responsible for recurrent outbreaks in humans. Within this family, the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an important Alphavirus in terms of morbidity, mortality, and economic impact on humans in different regions of the world. The objective of this study was to perform an IgG epitope recognition of the CHIKV’s structural proteins E2 and E3 using linear synthetic peptides recognized by serum from patients in the convalescence phase of infection. The serum samples used were collected in the state of Sergipe, Brazil in 2016. Based on the results obtained using immunoinformatic predictions, synthetic B-cell peptides corresponding to the epitopes of structural proteins E2 and E3 of the CHIKV were analyzed by the indirect peptide ELISA technique. Protein E2 was the main target of the immune response, and three conserved peptides, corresponding to peptides P3 and P4 located at Domain A and P5 at the end of Domain B, were identified. The peptides P4 and P5 were the most reactive and specific among the 11 epitopes analyzed and showed potential for use in serological diagnostic trials and development and/or improvement of the Chikungunya virus diagnosis and vaccine design.

Serodiagnosis and Risk Factors Associated with Infectious Agents of Reproductive Diseases in Bovines of Chiquinquirá, District of Boyacá (Colombia)

The productivity of cattle farms is affected by infectious and noninfectious factors that generate economic losses and cause reproductive failure represented by low conception rates, embryonic mortality, abortions, and fetal mummification. The infectious agents that most impact the reproductive health of the bovine species from conception to birth are bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) causing infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI3), Neospora caninum and Leptospira spp. The objective of this study was to diagnose the presence of BoHV-1, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), PI3, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira spp. by serology and identify the risk factors associated with infectious agents of reproductive interest in bovines of Boyacá (Colombia). A descriptive cross-sectional study was developed, with simple random sampling, where a sample size of 601 female cattle of Holstein, Jersey, and Normande breeds of different age groups was determined. Blood samples were taken and processed using the indirect ELISA technique (SYNBIOTICS®, SERELISA® BVD p80 Ab Mono Blocking, Ingezim R.12.NC.K, PRIMACHECK VPI-3®) and the MAT test for the diagnosis of bovine leptospirosis. The data were processed with the statistical program Epi Info™. The highest apparent seroprevalence was established for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (61.1%), followed by BVD (37.6%), PI3 (40.9%), neosporosis (51.1%), and leptospirosis (14.8%). Variables such as age >4 years and Holstein breed for IBR and >4 years for BVD were established risk factors. Considering our results, we suggest implementing prevention and control plans that include vaccination as a prophylactic measure and biosecurity tools that reduce the probability of contagion and transmission of pathogens.

Evaluation of Aflatoxin B1 in poultry feeds marketed in Nsukka agricultural zone, Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria

Aflatoxin contamination of poultry feeds is a major challenge to profitable poultry productivity and trade. This study was carried out to evaluate the levels of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of poultry feeds commonly sold in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of 48 representative feed samples, comprising 24 toll-milled and 24 commercial feeds, were collected. aflatoxin B1 was detected in all (100%) the samples analysed using Indirect Competitive ELISA technique at various concentrations, with AFB1 concentrations of toll-milled and commercial feeds samples ranging from 2.5 – 473.8 ppb and 1.1 – 1683.2 ppb, respectively. The mean AFB1 concentration (77.69 ± 19.36 ppb) of toll-milled feed samples was significantly less (p ≤ 0.05) than the mean AFB1 concentration of commercial feeds brands (231.10 ± 71.1 ppb). The mean AFB1 concentration of commercial brand A feeds (12. 11 ± 3.25 ppb) was significantly less (p < 0.05) than the mean concentrations of commercial brand B feeds (385.91 ± 152 ppb) and brand C feeds (425.90 ± 97.93 ppb). The toll-milled and commercial feeds samples evaluated showed that 79.17% and 70.8% of the feeds, respectively, had AFB1 concentrations above the United State Food and Drugs Administration action value, 20 ppb. The levels of AFB1 contaminations in the feed samples studied were high, and thus make the feeds unsafe for poultry consumption. Therefore, there is need for routine screening and monitoring of AFB1 in poultry feeds marketed in this area to avoid high levels of AFB1 in feeds and the subsequent accumulation in the poultry products.

Evaluation The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Prepared Aloe Vera Gel in Sulcular Full Thickness Flap Induced in Rats Model

Background: Aloe Vera contains many inorganic electrolytes like iron, potassium, chromium, copper, sodium, calcium, and zinc that are vital parts that induced the wound healing process as a result of the ability to prevent injury to the epithelium and promote healing of injured tissues. It improves healing by increasing the blood supply and oxygen to the area of injury tissue. Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe Vera on wound healing in rats with full thickness flap and insertion of Aloe vera gel at the site of injury throughout analysis of the activity level of serum interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). Patients and Methods: Fifty five male rats were randomly divided into three groups: A-Aloe vera gel (25 rats), subdivided into (5) subgroups as a test group, B- Chlorhexidine gel (25 rats) was also subdivided randomly into (5) subgroups as a test group. Each subgroup (5rats) was exposed to surgery and filled with (AV) and CHX gel in both. C-non-surgical control group (5 rats) to obtain baseline data. A sulcular full thickness flap incision was carried out between the two maxillary central incisors. Blood samples for immunological studies were collected by cardiac puncture, at times (3, 5, 7, 10, and14 days) for estimation of serum (IL-1β) levels using Indirect ELISA Technique in all groups. Results: A highly significant decrease of serum IL-1β in rat group (A) within 3 and 5days post-surgery, then the concentration of this cytokine started to increase on 7,10and 14days post-surgery, which is statistically non significantly affect with the control group (C), where it reaches the level of the control level before surgery. Conclusion: Aloe vera shows anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the inflammation of periodontal tissue post-surgery which could accelerate healing based on a significant increase in the level of serum (IL-1β), reaching the control level before surgery at 14days, post-surgery that indicated positive results of this study. Keywords: Aloe Vera, chlorhexidine, pro-inflammatory (IL-1β), surgical full thickness flap

Toxoplasmosis: Seroprevalencia y factores de riesgo en las majadas caprinas de la región noroeste de Argentina

A cross-sectional survey was performed in 54 family farm units (FU) and 5 dairy commercial farm (CF) from different regions of Jujuy and Salta provinces, with the aim of studying the association between the seroprevalence against Toxoplama gondii antibodies in goats flocks and risk factors related to the farm units and the goats management. Sera were processed by the indirect fluorescent antibody test IFAT (n = 629) and indirect ELISA (n = 619) techniques. The Chi-square, Odds Ratio (OR) and logistic regression were used for the statistical analysis of the variables. Of the 59 visited flocks, 67.8% of them had at leastone seropositive goat, showing differences between FU (66.7%) and CF (80%). The general prevalence was 18.2% (95 % CI: 15.9-20.6%). The risk factors significantly associated to T. gondii prevalence greater than 20% of the sampled goats would be a percentage of cats greater than 1.1% in relation to the total number of mating goats (OR 5.26; 95% CI: 1.62-17.1) and the milking practice (OR 13.03; 95% CI: 2.19- 80.3). The present results show that infestations by T. gondii in the goat flocks of Salta and Jujuy are important and deserves further studies.flocks of Salta and Jujuy are important and deserves further studies.

Seroprevalence of infectious bursal disease and its potential risk factors in backyard chicken production of Waliso district, South Western Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study on infectious bursal disease was conducted in apparently healthy backyard chicken at Waliso district of Southwestern Shoa, central oromia, Ethiopia from from November, 2018 to October, 2019. A total of 282 chickens were randomly selected to estimate seroprevalence of IBD infection and to identify the likely potential risk factors for the disease. Serum samples collected and serological test conducted in laboratory at National Animal Health Diagnosis and Investigation Center Sebeta, Ethopia. Out of 282 serum samples tested 224 were positive for indirect ELISA technique and the overall seroprevalence of IBDV in the study area was found to be 79.43% at individual level. Educational level of owners, kebeles and flock size significantly affect seroprevalence of IBD in the study area. The effect of difference in managements like source of replacement, frequency of house cleaning, use of disinfectant and isolation practice has a significant effect on IBDV sero-prevalence. A lower seroprevalence of IBDV was reported in good hygienic level of house (26.7%) than poor level of chicken house hygiene (96.4%) with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The seroprevalence of IBDV in the present study associated with chicken management, flock size, owner education level and other animal related risk factors for occurrence of the disease. Therefore, awareness on chicken health management, and importance of immunization would help to minimize the prevalence of the disease and play crucial role in the control of the disease. Furthermore, characterizing virus strains circulating in the area in future study is recommended.

Rabies awareness among dog owners and detection of antibody levels against rabies in dogs presented for treatment at selected veterinary clinics in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

This study was conducted to profile the antibody levels to rabies in dogs presented at veterinary clinics and determine rabies awareness among dog owners in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Records of dogs' rabies vaccination were obtained to determine their vaccination status and number of times they had been vaccinated. Sera from 138 dogs of consenting owners were analysed using indirect ELISA technique to detect rabies antibodies. Structured questionnaire was administered to 138 dog owners to determine their awareness on rabies. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi‑square, ANOVA and t‑test at p ≤ 0.05. Of 138 dogs screened, 114 (82.6%) had history of vaccination against rabies. Of these 114, 87 (76.3%) were seronegative; however, 5 (3.6%) of the 24 unvaccinated dogs were seropositive. Overall, 32 (23.2%) comprising 15 (10.8%) males and 17 (12.3%) females had positive rabies antibodies level. Five (3.6%), 3 (12.1%) and 24 (17.4%) were seropositive among dogs of < 6 months, 6‑12 months and > 1 year of age, respectively. Dogs > 1 year had significantly higher antibodies than < 6 months (p < 0.05). Most (86.9%) of the dog owners were aware of rabies. The low seroconversion in vaccinated dogs and prevalence of rabies antibodies in unvaccinated dogs are of public health concern. There is need for regular sero‑profiling of vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs.

Infection rate by TOXOPLASMA GONDII in free-range and broiler chickens in the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba, Brazil

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan that has a cosmopolitan geographic distribution and low specificity for intermediate hosts. Domestic chickens are among the most important hosts in toxoplasmosis epidemiology, since they are potential sources of infection for humans, in addition to indicating environmental contamination by protozoa. In this work, we studied the prevalence of T. gondii infection in chickens in different breeding systems from distinct mesoregions of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraiba States: broiler chickens from commercial farms and free-range chickens from small farms. Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and ELISA techniques were used for detecting specific antibodies in blood samples from the birds. There were no seropositive samples among the broilers tested, indicating that intensive management limited the chances of infection for these animals. Amongthe free-range chickens, the frequency of IgG anti-T. gondii detected by IFAT and ELISA were 37.9% and 40.4% respectively. Among the seropositive samples by IFAT, 33 (27.1%) were positive at a dilution of 1:16; in 1:32, 31 (25.4%); in 1:64, 24 (19.7%); 15 (12.3%) in 1:128, and 19 presented titers greater than or equal to 1:256 (15.6%). The substantial concordance observed between IFAT and ELISA signifies these methods are effective methodologies for the diagnosis of avian toxoplasmosis. The high prevalence of specific antibodies among poultry in the studied region highlights the potential risk of T. gondii transmission to humans through consumption of infected meat.KEY WORDS: Toxoplasma gondii; chicken infection; toxoplasmosis transmission; seroprevalence.

Prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in Goats and Sheep by Using ELISA in Sera and Milk in Duhok, Iraq

An indirect ELISA technique was used to determine the prevalence of infection in sera and milk samples among goats and sheepin Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Results of the present study shows that the prevalence of infection was higher in sera compared to milk samples among goats and sheep as follow: (6.3, 4.2%) and (8.9, 5.6%) respectively and there was no statistical significance difference in goats at P value =0.42, also there was no statistically differences at P value= 0.22. ELISA results also shows that the prevalence according to the age among goats and sheep were higher in animal aged &gt; 2 years in both sera and milk samples were (7.5, 5.3%) and (11.3, 7%) respectively and there was no significant difference between age groups of goats and sheep by ELISA. The present study is the first study done to determine the prevalence of F. hepatica in both sera and milk samples among local goats and sheep. Continuously screening of sheep and goats for Fascioliasis and using of anthelmintic to control the infection in small ruminants is necessary

Factors associated with the seroprevalence of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep from Northeastern Brazil

Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is one of the main infectious diseases in sheep, responsible for great economic losses, mainly in Northeast region of Brazil, which has the largest sheep flock in the country. Thus, the aim of this survey was to determine the factors associated with the seroprevalence of this disease in sheep from Northeastern Brazil using a planned sample of flocks and animals. Samples were collected from 2312 adult and young sheep of both sex from 196 farms, located in 51 municipalities in five Northeastern Brazilian states (Ceará, Paraíba, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe). Serological diagnosis was performed using the indirect ELISA technique. Factors associated with seropositivity were identified by variables extracted from epidemiological questionnaires administered to breeders, using univariable and multivariable analyses. Factors associated with prevalence were purebred sheep (Prevalence ratio - PR = 1.189; P = 0.017), ram acquisition from animal expositions (PR = 1.192; P = 0.020), offspring is separated from ewes (PR = 1.132; P = 0.048), water supplied to sheep from ponds (PR = 1.365; P = 0.002), and delayed disposal of infected animals (PR = 1.263; P = 0.027). Flock-level and animal-level prevalences were 93.88 % (95 % CI = 89.60–96.46%) and 37.46 % (95 % CI = 35.51–39.45%), respectively. In view of the high prevalence found here and based on the associated factors, the implementation of an efficient CL control programme in Northeastern Brazil is recommended.

Comparison of Trichomoniasis Diagnosis by Microscopic Methods and Indirect ELISA Technique in a Sample of Iraqi Women

Trichomonas vaginalis is an eukaryotic parasite that causes the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection, trichomoniasis. This disease is responsible for many serious health problems such as preterm birth. More than half of the infected women do not develop symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose thedisease. In this study, a specific indirect ELISA method was developed to detect anti-Trichomonas vaginalis IgM and IgG immunoglobulins in the sera of infected females. The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of a simple ELISA procedure in comparison to the classical urine examination and vaginal wet mount preparation for the diagnosis of T. vaginalis. The sensitivity of the indirect ELISA was compared with the classical vaginal discharge swab and urine microscopic examination, and the results showed sensitivities of 65.5% and 57.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the infection was measurable as acute or chronic with the refined test.

Efficacy of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Diagnosis of Schistosomiasis

ABSTRACT Background: One of the worldwide major public health problems is urinary schistosomiasis that is caused by Schistosoma heamatobium. There are several immunodiagnostic methods used for that diagnosis of such disease, but some are more sensitive and specific than others. The tegumental Schistosoma-specific protein detection in serum samples is found out to be more valuable in diagnosis. Aim of the Work: To evaluate the efficacy of iron oxide nanoparticle for diagnosis of human schistosomiasis infections and to compare between ELISA-based iron oxide nanoparticle and traditional sandwich ELISA. Material and Methods: The tegumental antigen was purified from whole worms by DEAE-Sephadex G-75 ion-exchange chromatography and then was injected into rabbits to produce specific polyclonal antibodies (p Ab) which were then used as a primary capture in the indirect ELISA technique to reveal its reactivity using infected human sera. The anti- tegumental p Ab was then labeled with horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) and used as a secondary capture. Sandwich ELISA was done for serum samples of humans and hamsters infected with S. haematobium. Results: The sensitivity of the traditional sandwich ELISA with anti-tegumental p Ab was 85% and it increased by using the sandwich IMB-ELISA to be 95% in serum. The specificity of sandwich ELISA was 88.2% and it increased by using the sandwich IMB-ELISA to be 92.6%. Conclusion: The data obtained concluded that the IMB-ELISA appears to be a sufficiently sensitive and feasible assay for the detection of schistosomal antigenemia and the evaluation of its potential use in human schistosomiasis is in progress. Keywords: S. haematobium; diagnosis; ELISA; Immunomagnetic bead ELISA technique; Paramagnetic nanoparticles.

Association of BoLA DRB3 gene polymorphisms with BoHV-1 infection and zootechnical traits.

Background:The dairy sector is one of the leading in agricultural production sectors in the world and the bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is an important pathogen that causes great losses in most production systems. Moreover, BoLA DRB3 immunological gene presents different alleles related to protection against many pathogens. Methods:Serological diagnosis was carried out to determine the BoHV-1 infection and through PCR-RFLP 506 Holstein cows from several municipalities of Antioquia were genotyped for BoLA DRB3.2 gene polymorphisms.Results:Alleles 8, 16, 22, and 24 were the most common out of the 42 alleles found. By indirect ELISA technique, a 58.7% prevalence of BoHV-1 infection in this population was diagnosed and Odd ratios for found alleles were calculated by logistic regression; the only significant association was held for allele 37, which showed that it effects confers susceptibility to infection. On the other hand, by using generalized linear models, a significant association between BoLA DRB3.2 gene and milk and fat yield in primiparous and services per conception in multiparous was found, with the most favorable alleles being 11 and 28 in primiparous and 22 and 28 in multiparous; allele 37 was unfavorable only in primiparous.Conclusion:BoLA DRB3.2 gene polymorphisms have shown high variability and significant effects on Holstein cattle and their performance in production systems in Antioquia are at both sanitary or health and productive levels.