Simple and efficient method for measuring anti-toxoplasma immunoglobulin antibodies in human sera using complement-mediated lysis of transgenic tachyzoites expressing beta-galactosidase

J Clin Microbiol. 2001 Jun;39(6):2122-5. doi: 10.1128/JCM.39.6.2122-2125.2001.

Abstract

A simple and efficient method using transgenic Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites expressing beta-galactosidase was developed for detection of specific antibodies against the parasite in sera of patients. The titers obtained with the new test were similar to those obtained with the Sabin-Feldman dye test run in parallel. Although significant changes in endpoint titers were not observed when sera drawn sequentially at 2- to 3-week intervals were tested with both procedures, apparent differences in antibody affinity were observed with the new test which were not perceptible with the Sabin-Feldman dye test. Like the Sabin-Feldman dye test, the new test is based on complement lysis of tachyzoites, but it is much easier to perform and the reaction is read colorimetrically instead of visually.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Coloring Agents
  • Complement System Proteins / immunology
  • Humans
  • Toxoplasma / enzymology
  • Toxoplasma / genetics
  • Toxoplasma / growth & development
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis*
  • Toxoplasmosis / parasitology
  • Transfection
  • Transgenes
  • beta-Galactosidase / genetics
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Coloring Agents
  • Complement System Proteins
  • beta-Galactosidase