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Cross-reaction of immune sera from patients with rickettsial diseases
1Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany 12201-0509.
Abstract:
Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia conorii are the causative agents of two common and serious diseases, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Mediterranean spotted fever, respectively. In patients naturally infected with either of these organisms, antibodies are produced which cross-react with antigens of the other so extensively that diagnostic tests usually cannot identify the causative agents. The results of this study indicate that serodiagnostic tests with antigen from one of these two organisms could be used to detect antibodies in patients with either of the two rickettsial diseases.
Insights
Antibodies from Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Mediterranean spotted fever cross-react, making diagnosis difficult. This study shows that using antigens from one disease can effectively detect antibodies for both, aiding Rickettsia diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rickettsia rickettsii causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and Rickettsia conorii causes Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF).
- Antibodies produced during infection with one species cross-react extensively with antigens of the other.
- This cross-reactivity complicates accurate serodiagnosis of these rickettsial diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of using antigens from one Rickettsia species to detect antibodies in patients infected with either R. rickettsii or R. conorii.
- To address the diagnostic challenges posed by cross-reacting antibodies in spotted fever group rickettsioses.
Main Methods:
- Serodiagnostic tests were performed using antigens derived from R. rickettsii and R. conorii.
- Antibody responses in patients naturally infected with either organism were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant cross-reactivity was observed between antibodies and antigens of R. rickettsii and R. conorii.
- Serodiagnostic tests utilizing antigen from one species demonstrated the ability to detect antibodies in patients infected with either R. rickettsii or R. conorii.
Conclusions:
- Serodiagnostic tests employing antigens from R. rickettsii or R. conorii can be effective for diagnosing both RMSF and MSF.
- This approach offers a potential solution to the diagnostic limitations caused by cross-reactive antibodies in these rickettsial infections.