Development of a competitive ELISA for detection of Theileria annulata infection

S Renneker1, B Kullmann, S Gerber

  • 1Division of Veterinary Infection Biology and Immunology, Research Center Borstel, Parkallee 22, 23845 Borstel, Germany.

In previous studies, Theileria annulata surface protein (TaSP) was identified as an immunodominant antigen and successfully used to develop and validate a recombinant-protein-based ELISA for the detection of circulating antibodies in serum of T. annulata-infected animals. In this study, the same antigen was used to develop a competitive ELISA (cELISA) using a monoclonal antibody that was found to bind to TaSP. The cELISA accurately differentiated T. annulata-infected from uninfected animals and demonstrated a satisfactory performance with a calculated sensitivity and specificity of 77.4% and 100%, respectively. Thus the test proved its suitability for the diagnosis of tropical theileriosis and has application for use in serological surveys to monitor the prevalence of the disease or identify carrier animals with high specificity.