Development of monoclonal antibodies to Mycobacterium spp. isolated from chevron snakeheads and Siamese fightingfish

Citation

Adams A, Thompson K, McEwan H, Chen S & Richards R (1996) Development of monoclonal antibodies to Mycobacterium spp. isolated from chevron snakeheads and Siamese fightingfish. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, 8 (3), pp. 208-215. https://doi.org/10.1577/1548-8667%281996%29008%3C0208%3ADOMATM%3E2.3.CO%3B2

Abstract
Six monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced to mycobacteria isolated from Siamese fightingfish Betta splendens (strain TB1), all of which recognized the type strains Mycobacterium marinum, M. fortuitum, or M. chelonei, as well as the mycobacteria strains isolated from chevron snakeheads Channa striata or Siamese fightingfish. None of the MAbs were strain specific and there were differences in the magnitude of response among the mycobacteria isolates. Western blot analysis indicated that five different antigens, stained at 14, 19, 25, 33, and 150 kilodaltons (kDa), as well as a sixth antigen faintly stained at 100 kDa were recognized by the MAbs in M. marinum lysate. A rapid screening test for mycobacteria from chevron snakeheads and Siamese fightingfish was developed based on an amplification sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the MAbs developed in the present study. The responses of the type strains in the ELISA were 48.1%, 77.6%, and 101.6% for M. chelonei, M. fortuitum, and M. marinum, respectively. The reaction of mycobacteria isolated from the fish ranged from 15.0% to 128.8%. Thirty species of bacteria were tested in the ELISA for cross-reactivity. Low levels of cross-reactivity (ranging from 2.2% to 4.5%) were detected for 10 species when introduced at high concentrations in the ELISA. The use of the ELISA to monitor the incidence and the spread of mycobacteriosis is discussed.

Journal
Journal of Aquatic Animal Health: Volume 8, Issue 3

People

Professor Randolph Richards

Emeritus Professor, Institute of Aquaculture