Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
2621 MORGAN CIR
KNOXVILLE,TN 37996-4540
Performing Department
COMPARATIVE MEDICINE
Non Technical Summary
Tapeworm infections in the horse are correlated with a several disorders including colic. The parasites are difficult to detect in feces by traditional methods. The purpose of this research is the development of an ELISA capture assay to detect tapeworms in fecal samples.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
1. Isolate immunoreactive 12/13 kda excretory/secretory (E/S) protein from Anoplcephala perfoliata. 2. Prepare antibody specifically reactive with 12/13 kda E/S protein. 3. Develop an ELISA that will detect 12/13 kda E/S protein in feces with high specificity and sensitivity.
Project Methods
The dominent immunogenic protein of A.perfoliata will be purified for tapeworm extract. Antibodies reactive to the antigen will be produced in mice and rabbits. The antibodies will be purified and conjugated with biotin. This antibodies will serve as capture and detecting antibodies for ELISA assays. The ability of the reagents to detect tapeworm antigen will be determined with purified antigen, crude antigen, antigen mixed with equine feces, and in feces from animals confirmed to be infected with tapeworms.