Recombinant SAG1 Antigen to Detect Toxoplasma gondii Specific Immunoglobulin G in Human Sera by ELISA Test

BACKGROUND: Although some serological tests for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii-specific immunoglobulin are commercially available, better diagnostic tools are needed. The aim of present study was to evaluate the usefulness of the recombinant Toxoplasma gondii SAG1 antigen for the recognition of toxoplasmosis by ELISA. METHODS: This study was conducted in Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Centers, Shahid Beheshti University, M.C., Tehran, Iran in 2008-2009. Surface antigen 1 (SAG1), a tachyzoite stage-specific protein, was subcloned into an expression vector and was subsequently transformed into BL21 (DE3) pLysS competent bacterial cells. After inducing expression of the recombinant antigen, the protein product was purified using Ni-affinity chromatography. The immunoreactivity of recombinant SAG1 (rSAG1) was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The reactivity of the rec-SAG1 protein was evaluated using an ELISA. RESULT: Sensitivity and specificity of the generated recombinant-ELISA (rec-ELISA) compared to a commercially available ELISA (com-ELISA) were 88.4% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Recombinant SAG1 produced in E. coli is a promising antigen that can be used in diagnostic assays for the detection of specific antibodies against T. gondii.