Detection of the circulating antigen 14-3-3 protein of <it>Schistosoma japonicum </it>by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay in rabbits

• Main Authors: Wang Jie, Yin Xu-Ren, Zhang Jue, Yu Chuan-Xin, Huang Biao, Qian Chun-Yan, Song Li-Jun, Zhang Wei, Ke Xue-Dan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-05-01
• Series: Parasites & Vectors
• Online Access: http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/4/1/95

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern that afflicts millions of people worldwide. Low levels of <it>Schistosoma </it>infection require more sensitive diagnostic methods. In this study, a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA) was developed for detecting the signal transduction protein 14-3-3, a circulating antigen of <it>Schistosoma japonicum</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The detection limit of 14-3-3-TRFIA was 0.78 ng/ml, with a linear measurement range from 0.78 to 800 ng/ml. The average intra-assay and inter-assay variability of this TRFIA was 8.9% and 12.2% respectively, and the mean recovery rate ranged from 92.1% to 115.5%. Within the first 21 days post-infection in rabbits, the positive rates of the 14-3-3-TRFIA were distinctly higher compared to ELISA. All these findings illustrate that 14-3-3-TRFIA has a higher detection efficacy and is a good early diagnostic method for active <it>Schistosoma </it>infection.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A sandwich TRFIA for detecting the circulating antigen 14-3-3 of <it>S. japonicum </it>has been developed, and has demonstrated to be a good potential diagnostic method for schistosomiasis.</p>