Development of kits for immunodiagnosis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis using the techniques of indirect immunofluorescence (RIFI) and indirect immunoenzymatic tests (Dot-ELISA and ELISA-test)

• Grant number: 03/13307-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: May 01, 2005
• End date: April 30, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Andrea Cristina Higa Nakaghi
• Grantee: Andrea Cristina Higa Nakaghi
• Company: Immunodot Indústria e Pesquisa de Produtos para Diagnóstico Ltda. - ME
• City: Jaboticabal

Abstract

Ehrlichia canis (Anaplasmatacea, Rickettsiales) is the etiological agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, being an obligatory intracellular bacteria which infects monocytes and macrophages of the phagocytary monocytic system. E. canis, which has a worldwide distribution and causes high morbidity and mortality in endemic regions, is one among the extensively studied ehrlichiosis organisms. In the last two decades, ehrlichiosis organisms have been identified infecting human beings. The detection of E. canis antibodies can be carried out using the indirect immunofluorescence test (RIFI) and the indirect immunoenzymatic test (Dot-ELISA and ELISAtest), which are the object of this project. The precise diagnosis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is obtained from suitable clinical and laboratorial evaluations and its confirmation can be obtained with indirect sorological tests. In this project, a lineage of canine cells DH82 cultivated in vitro will be infected with a strain of E. canis, isolated by Machado (1993). From these cells antigenic substrates of E. canis will be prepared, aimed at the production of sorological tests.With this proposal the intention is to innovate in the area of veterinary medicine and, at the same time, to cater for a repressed demand which arises from external scientific dependence and the absence of biotechnological development. (AU)