Methods for derivation and detection of anti-parasite monoclonal antibodies

We describe detailed methods for derivation and cloning of myeloma hybrids which secrete antibodies specific for antigens of protozoan parasites. The methods were designed to enable the derivation of large numbers of specific monoclonal antibodies and to give high cloning efficiencies of desired hybrids. Although special attention is paid to derivation and detection of anti-parasite antibodies, the methods can be applied to many different antibody-antigen systems. Using the described methods we have isolated more than 90 myeloma hybrids which secrete antibodies specific for antigens of African trypanosomes and Theileria parasites, thus illustrating their effectiveness.