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Mycobacterium tuberculosis 38kDa antigen and its encoding gene-experience in diagnostic applications
G V Kadival1, C D D'souza, M Kameswaran
1Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Tata Memorial Centre Annexe, 400012 Mumbai.
Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry : IJCB
|October 27, 2012
Summary
Detecting tuberculosis (TB) using the 38 kDa antigen or its antibody, or via PCR, shows high accuracy. Recombinant antigens require improved production methods for effective TB diagnostic kits.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Tuberculosis diagnosis can be improved through the detection of specific antigens or antibodies.
- The 38 kDa antigen is a key target for tuberculosis diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of 38 kDa antigen/antibody detection and PCR for tuberculosis diagnosis.
- To address challenges in producing suitable recombinant 38 kDa antigen for diagnostic assays.
Main Methods:
- Detection of 38 kDa antigen and antibodies in patient fluids.
- Development and testing of a PCR assay targeting the 38 kDa antigen gene.
- Recombinant DNA technology for expressing the 38 kDa antigen in E. coli.
Main Results:
- Detection of 38 kDa antigen/antibody and PCR demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for tuberculosis.
- Recombinant 38 kDa antigen produced in E. coli lacked the immunological properties of the native antigen.
- Inclusion body formation and lack of glycosylation in recombinant antigens hinder immunodiagnosis.
Conclusions:
- 38 kDa antigen/antibody detection and PCR are promising for developing tuberculosis diagnostic kits.
- Current recombinant antigen production methods are insufficient for effective immunodiagnosis.
- Alternative vector-host systems are needed for improved antigen production, including glycosylation and reduced inclusion body formation.
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