Immunodetection of Streptococcus uberis pathogen in raw milk

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Immunotechnology
• Biosensor Development

Background:

• Streptococcus uberis is a primary cause of bovine mastitis.
• Rapid and specific immunodetection methods for Streptococcus uberis are lacking.
• A novel antibody against the Streptococcus uberis adhesion molecule (SUAM) has been developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the specificity and affinity of a novel anti-Str. uberis antibody.
• To evaluate the antibody's utility in a biosensor for rapid Streptococcus uberis detection.
• To assess the biosensor's performance in detecting Streptococcus uberis in milk samples.

Main Methods:

• In silico bioinformatic analyses for selectivity.
• Experimental characterization of antibody-antigen binding affinity (K_d value).
• Development and testing of a biosensor utilizing the anti-Str. uberis antibody.

Main Results:

• The antibody demonstrated high specificity towards Streptococcus uberis.
• A binding affinity (K_d) of 27 ± 6 nM was determined for the antibody-antigen complex.
• A biosensor detected Streptococcus uberis in buffer and milk within 20 minutes.
• Biosensor results correlated well with conventional microbiological plating in mastitis milk samples.

Conclusions:

• The characterized anti-Str. uberis antibody is highly specific and suitable for Streptococcus uberis detection.
• A rapid biosensor employing this antibody offers a promising tool for diagnosing mastitis-causing Streptococcus uberis.
• The developed biosensor provides a fast and reliable alternative to traditional methods for pathogen identification.