Use of Phage Antibodies to Distinguish Closely Related Species of Protozoan Parasites

[摘要] Acanthamoebaare typically identified in the laboratory using culture and microscopic observation. In this paper we describe the isolation and specificity of antibody fragments that can be used for the identification ofAcanthamoeba. A phage library expressing a large repertoire (approx. 5×109) of antibody fragments was used to generate two libraries one enriched for bacteriophage that exhibit genus specific binding and the other containing bacteriophage that bind specifically to pathogenicAcanthamoeba. Individual clones were isolated on the basis of binding by ELISA, and then flowcytometry and immunofluorescence were used for further characterisation. Four monoclonal antibodies were isolated, specific forAcanthamoebaat the generic level with clone HPPG6 exhibiting the highest level of binding. Furthermore clone HPPG55 was specific for pathogenic species ofAcanthamoeba.

[学科分类] 生理学与病理学