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Antigenic diversity in flagellar epitopes among Bacillus piliformis isolates
G P Boivin1, R R Hook, L K Riley
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia 65211.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Monoclonal antibodies identified distinct flagellar epitopes in Bacillus piliformis isolates, enabling their classification into six antigenic groups. This research aids in understanding Bacillus piliformis strain diversity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Bacillus piliformis is an important pathogen with potential for strain variation.
- Characterizing B. piliformis isolates is crucial for understanding disease transmission and developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) targeting Bacillus piliformis flagellar epitopes.
- To utilize these MAbs for serological grouping and strain differentiation of B. piliformis isolates.
Main Methods:
- Hybridoma technology was employed to generate MAbs against B. piliformis flagella.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect fluorescent antibody assays, and Western blot analyses were used to confirm MAb specificity.
- Ten B. piliformis isolates were probed with MAbs to assess flagellar epitope expression.
Main Results:
- Out of 2127 hybridomas, 482 produced antibodies specific to B. piliformis.
- MAbs identified four distinct isolate-specific flagellar epitopes and one common flagellar epitope among the tested isolates.
- Six antigenically distinct groups of B. piliformis were established based on flagellar epitope expression.
- An additional MAb recognized a cell-associated component present in all but one isolate.
Conclusions:
- Monoclonal antibodies are effective tools for the antigenic and serological grouping of Bacillus piliformis isolates.
- The identified antigenic groups correlate with genetic and physiological classifications, supporting the existence of distinct B. piliformis strains.
- This serological classification provides a valuable framework for further research into B. piliformis pathogenesis and epidemiology.