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Author Spotlight: Expanding the Scope of Multiplex Immunoassays for Lyme Borreliosis Diagnostics and Pathogen Research
Published on: July 14, 2023
Sensitive and immunogen-specific serological detection of Rodentibacter pneumotropicus infections in mice
Felix Fingas1,2, Daniela Volke1,3, Rayk Hassert1,3
1Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
Background:
Rodentibacter (R.) pneumotropicus colonizes the respiratory and urogenital tracts of laboratory mice with a reported moderate serological prevalence from 4 to 13%. Thus, regular tests to identify this pathogen in mice are recommended for animal facilities. However, a recent study indicated that current serological assays are partly insensitive, as C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice infected with R. pneumotropicus were incorrectly screened as seronegative.
Results:
Here, we report a systematic analysis of protein and lipopolysaccharides antigens by immunoblot and ELISA that allowed establishing a sensitive test system able to differentiate between R. pneumotropicus and the closely related species R. heylii. Furthermore, the main immunogen, designated as 'characteristic antigen for Rodentibacter of laboratory origin 1' (CARLO-1), was identified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblot and tandem mass spectrometry in a preparation of outer membrane proteins. An indirect ELISA relying on the recombinantly expressed protein provided high sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity. The corresponding carlo1 gene was highly conserved (> 97%) among 21 isolates of R. pneumotropicus and R. heylii.
Conclusion:
The newly identified protein CARLO-1 is well suited for the sensitive and specific serological detection of Rodentibacter infections in mice. Indirect differentiation of R. pneumotropicus and R. heylii infections may be possible using an ELISA based on a whole-cell antigen preparation. All four established ELISA systems using a whole-cell preparation, lipopolysaccharides, outer-membrane proteins and protein CARLO-1 as antigen, respectively, outperformed a commercial ELISA in terms of sensitivity.
Insights
A new protein antigen, CARLO-1, enables sensitive and specific detection of Rodentibacter pneumotropicus infections in mice. This advancement improves upon current assays, which often yield false negatives, ensuring better animal health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Immunology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Rodentibacter pneumotropicus is a common respiratory and urogenital pathogen in laboratory mice.
- Current serological assays for R. pneumotropicus exhibit limitations in sensitivity, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
- Accurate detection is crucial for maintaining the health and integrity of research animal populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic system for Rodentibacter infections in mice.
- To identify key antigens for differentiating R. pneumotropicus from closely related species like R. heylii.
- To improve upon existing serological testing methods for laboratory animal pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Systematic analysis of protein and lipopolysaccharide antigens using immunoblot and ELISA.
- Identification of the main immunogen (CARLO-1) via 2D gel electrophoresis, immunoblot, and mass spectrometry.
- Recombinant expression of CARLO-1 for developing an indirect ELISA.
Main Results:
- A sensitive test system was established to differentiate R. pneumotropicus and R. heylii.
- The characteristic antigen for Rodentibacter of laboratory origin 1 (CARLO-1) was identified as the main immunogen.
- An indirect ELISA using recombinant CARLO-1 demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity, outperforming a commercial ELISA.
Conclusions:
- The newly identified CARLO-1 protein is suitable for sensitive and specific serological detection of Rodentibacter infections.
- ELISA systems utilizing CARLO-1 or whole-cell preparations offer superior sensitivity compared to commercial assays.
- Improved diagnostic tools are essential for accurate identification and management of R. pneumotropicus in laboratory mice.
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