Evaluation from a B-cell epitope-based chimeric protein for the serodiagnosis of tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis.
Microb Pathog
; 167: 105562, 2022 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35513293
ABSTRACT
The diagnosis of leishmaniasis presents problems due to the variable sensitivity and/or specificity of tests. In addition, high levels of anti-parasite antibodies can remain after treatment, making it difficult to conduct a prognostic follow-up of patients. In this context, it is necessary to identify new candidates to be examined for the sensitive and specific diagnosis of the disease. In the present study, four Leishmania proteins, previously shown as antigenic for tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL), were evaluated, and their linear specific B-cell epitopes were predicted and used to generate a new gene codifying chimeric protein called ChimB, which was cloned, and the recombinant version was expressed, purified, and evaluated in ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) to diagnose TL and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). A total of 220 human serum samples were used, and, when ChimB was used, results showed sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 100% for the diagnosis of both diseases; however, when using peptides, the sensitivity values reached from 28.0% to 57.3% and specificity varied from 16.3% to 83.7%. A soluble Leishmania extract (SLA) showed sensitivity and specificity values of 30.7% and 45.9%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) value for ChimB was 1.0, while for synthetic peptides, this value reached between 0.502 and 0.635, whereas for SLA, the value was of 0.589. Serological assays using sera samples collected before and after treatment showed significant reductions in the anti-ChimB antibody levels after therapy, suggesting a prognostic role of this recombinant antigen. In conclusion, preliminary data suggest the use from ChimB as a potential candidate for the diagnosis and prognosis of leishmaniasis.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Leishmaniose
/
Leishmania
/
Leishmaniose Visceral
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Microb Pathog
Assunto da revista:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
/
MICROBIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil