The sensitivity of a monoclonal antibody-based antigen-detection enzyme immunoassay (antigen-ELISA) for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma congolense was evaluated using sera from experimentally infected goats and cattle. Ten goats (Galla x East African Masai) and 7 steers (Bos indicus) were infected with different clones of T. congolense and left to run a chronic course for 46 and 24 mo, respectively. During this period, monthly blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of trypanosomes and antigens in peripheral blood. Of 383 caprine blood samples, 361 (94.3%) were positive for circulating antigens whereas only 42 (10.9%) had demonstrable trypanosomes as revealed by the microhematocrit centrifugation technique. In cattle, 570 (82.5%) of 691 blood samples were antigen-ELISA positive compared to 136 (19.7%) samples with detectable trypanosomes. In an analysis of serum samples from goats in an area known to be endemic for trypanosomiasis, 106 (80.9%) of 131 were positive for T. congolense antigens whereas none of the corresponding blood samples had detectable trypanosomes. Control sera from 24 goats in a trypanosomiasis-free region were all antigen-ELISA negative. Hence, the antigen-ELISA was at least 4 times more sensitive than the microhematocrit centrifugation technique in monitoring T. congolense infections in goats and cattle.
The Journal of Parasitology is the official publication of the American Society of Parasitologists (ASP). It has been in print continuously since 1914, when it was founded by Henry Baldwin Ward. The journal focuses on general parasitology, as well as parasites of medical, veterinary, and economic importance. Most of the emphasis rests with eukaryotic parasites, although vectors for prokaryotic organisms and viruses are also included. The journal is printed at Allen Press in Lawrence, Kansas, in six issues per year. Institutional subscriptions are available. Membership in ASP includes receipt of the Journal of Parasitology, a quarterly Newsletter, and abstracts for the annual meetings; students can join at a much reduced rate. The journal is online via BioOne. The editor of the journal is Dr. Michael V.K. Sukhdeo. For further information regarding publication in the journal, contact the editorial office at journalofparasitology@gmail.com. For information about membership in ASP, contact the society:, http://amsocparasit.org/. For subscription information, contact asp@allenpress.com.
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The Journal of Parasitology
© 1991 The American Society of Parasitologists