Development of membrane-based flow-through assay for detection of trypanosomosis in equines

A rapid flow-through immunoassay using protein A labeled gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for the qualitative detection of trypanosomosis in equine serum samples was developed. The flow-through device consisted of antigen-coated nitrocellulose membrane fixed on absorbent pads. The GNPs based detection probe was used as the colored marker. The assay can be employed for the detection of Trypanosoma specific antibodies at 14 days post-infection in the infected pooled serum samples of equines. The assay can be conducted in < 5 min. The results of the flow-through assay were comparable with the methods like ELISA, dot blot assay and lateral flow assay. The developed assay showed high efficiency for detection of anti-Trypanosoma antibodies in equine sera and can be used for quick screening of serum samples under field conditions.