Twenty-six circulating antigens and two novel diagnostic candidate molecules identified in the serum of canines with experimental acute toxoplasmosis

The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a pathogen that causes severe opportunistic disease in a wide range of hosts. Efficient

We identified twenty-six CAgs in the serum of canines with experimental acute toxoplasmosis and discovered two novel diagnostic candidates. We also provide new insights into the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis.

A canine model of acute toxoplasmiosis was established. For this purpose, six dogs were infected by intraperitoneal inoculation of tachyzoites. The CAgs spectrum in the serum was identified with the immunoprecipitation-shotgun approach. Two CAgs with low homology to other species, coronin protein (TgCOR) and ELMO protein (TgELMO), were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Polyclonal antibodies against these two proteins were prepared, and the presence of these proteins in the serum was verified by Western blotting. The two CAgs were detected and evaluated by indirect ELISA methods.

The CAgs levels peaked between two and five days after inoculation, and twenty-six CAgs were identified. Western blotting showed the presence of the two proteins in the serum during acute infection. Based on ELISA tests, the two CAgs were detected during acute infection. Conclusions: We identified twenty-six CAgs in the serum of canines with experimental acute toxoplasmosis and discovered two novel diagnostic candidates. We also provide new insights into the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis.