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Search Results (224)

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Keywords = immunochromatographic test

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15 pages, 770 KiB  
Review
Research Progress on the Gc Proteins of Akabane Virus
by Xiaolin Lan, Fang Liang, Gan Li, Weili Kong, Ruining Wang, Lin Wang, Mengmeng Zhao and Keshan Zhang
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(8), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12080701 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 273
Abstract
The Akabane virus (AKAV) is a significant member of the Orthobunyavirus genus, with its envelope glycoprotein Gc, focusing on its molecular structural features, immunoregulatory mechanisms, and application value in pathogen diagnosis and vaccine design. As a key structural protein of AKAV, Gc mediates [...] Read more.
The Akabane virus (AKAV) is a significant member of the Orthobunyavirus genus, with its envelope glycoprotein Gc, focusing on its molecular structural features, immunoregulatory mechanisms, and application value in pathogen diagnosis and vaccine design. As a key structural protein of AKAV, Gc mediates virus adsorption and neutralizing antibody recognition through the N-terminal highly variable region (HVR), while the C-terminal conserved region (CR) dominates the membrane fusion process, and its glycosylation modification has a significant regulatory effect on protein function. In clinical diagnostics, serological assays based on Gc proteins (e.g., ELISA, immunochromatographic test strips) have been standardized; in vaccine development, the neutralizing epitope of Gc proteins has become a core target for subunit vaccine design. Follow-up studies were deeply needed to analyze the structure-function interaction mechanism of Gc proteins to provide theoretical support for the construction of a new type of AKAV prevention and control system. Full article
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10 pages, 1491 KiB  
Article
Development of a Point-of-Care Immunochromatographic Lateral Flow Strip Assay for the Detection of Nipah and Hendra Viruses
by Jianjun Jia, Wenjun Zhu, Guodong Liu, Sandra Diederich, Bradley Pickering, Logan Banadyga and Ming Yang
Viruses 2025, 17(7), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17071021 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 401
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV), which both belong to the genus henipavirus, are zoonotic pathogens that cause severe systemic, neurological, and/or respiratory disease in humans and a variety of mammals. Therefore, monitoring viral prevalence in natural reservoirs and rapidly diagnosing cases [...] Read more.
Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV), which both belong to the genus henipavirus, are zoonotic pathogens that cause severe systemic, neurological, and/or respiratory disease in humans and a variety of mammals. Therefore, monitoring viral prevalence in natural reservoirs and rapidly diagnosing cases of henipavirus infection are critical to limiting the spread of these viruses. Current laboratory methods for detecting NiV and HeV include virus isolation, reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and antigen detection via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), all of which require highly trained personnel and specialized equipment. Here, we describe the development of a point-of-care customized immunochromatographic lateral flow (ILF) assay that uses recombinant human ephrin B2 as a capture ligand on the test line and a NiV-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) on the conjugate pad to detect NiV and HeV. The ILF assay detects NiV and HeV with a diagnostic specificity of 94.4% and has no cross-reactivity with other viruses. This rapid test may be suitable for field testing and in countries with limited laboratory resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section General Virology)
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11 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Analytical and Clinical Validation of the ConfiSign HIV Self-Test for Blood-Based HIV Screening
by Hyeyoung Lee, Ae-Ran Choi, Hye-Sun Park, JoungOk Kim, Seo-A Park, Seungok Lee, Jaeeun Yoo, Ji Sang Yoon, Sang Il Kim, Yoon Hee Jun, Younjeong Kim, Yeon Jeong Jeong and Eun-Jee Oh
Diagnostics 2025, 15(14), 1833; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15141833 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 379
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Since the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended HIV self-testing as an alternative to traditional facility-based testing in 2016, it has been increasingly adopted worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the ConfiSign HIV Self-Test (GenBody Inc., Republic of Korea), [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Since the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended HIV self-testing as an alternative to traditional facility-based testing in 2016, it has been increasingly adopted worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the ConfiSign HIV Self-Test (GenBody Inc., Republic of Korea), a newly developed blood-based immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of total antibodies (IgG and IgM) against HIV-1/HIV-2. Methods: The evaluation included four components: (1) retrospective analysis of 1400 archived serum samples (400 HIV-positive and 1000 HIV-negative samples), (2) prospective self-testing by 335 participants (112 HIV-positive participants and 223 individuals with an unknown HIV status, including healthy volunteers), (3) assessment using seroconversion panels and diverse HIV subtypes, and (4) analytical specificity testing for cross-reactivity and interference. The Elecsys HIV combi PT and Alinity I HIV Ag/Ab Combo assays were used as reference assays. Results: In retrospective testing, the ConfiSign HIV Self-Test achieved a positive percent agreement (PPA) of 100%, a negative percent agreement (NPA) of 99.2%, and a Cohen’s kappa value of 0.986, showing excellent agreement with the reference assays. In the prospective study, the test showed 100% sensitivity and specificity, with a low invalid result rate of 1.8%. All HIV-positive samples, including those with low signal-to-cutoff (S/Co) values in the Alinity I assay, were correctly identified. The test also reliably detected early seroconversion samples and accurately identified a broad range of HIV-1 subtypes (A, B, C, D, F, G, CRF01_AE, CRF02_AG, and group O) as well as HIV-2. No cross-reactivity or interference was observed with samples that were positive for hepatitis viruses, cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, varicella zoster virus, influenza, HTLV-1, HTLV-2, or malaria. Conclusions: The ConfiSign HIV Self-Test demonstrated excellent sensitivity, specificity, and robustness across diverse clinical samples, supporting its reliability and practicality as a self-testing option for HIV-1/2 antibody detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease)
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14 pages, 609 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological Mapping of Canine Angiostrongylosis in Portugal: Findings from a Nationwide Prevalence Survey
by Beatriz Leal-Sousa, Joana Esteves-Guimarães, Jorge Isidoro Matos, Pedro Oliveira, Luís Lobo, Ana Cristina Silvestre-Ferreira, Carla S. Soares, Elena Carretón, Rodrigo Morchón, Ana Patrícia Fontes-Sousa and José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(7), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12070647 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 416
Abstract
Considering the global health concern and the significant morbidity associated with canine angiostrongylosis, this study aimed to update the epidemiological profile and geographic distribution of the disease in canine populations across all continental and insular districts of Portugal, some of which were never [...] Read more.
Considering the global health concern and the significant morbidity associated with canine angiostrongylosis, this study aimed to update the epidemiological profile and geographic distribution of the disease in canine populations across all continental and insular districts of Portugal, some of which were never studied before. A total of 1059 dogs were included in the study and tested for Angiostrongylus vasorum antigens using a commercial immunochromatographic assay. The overall prevalence was 1.13%. Higher infection rates were found in northern (3.9% in Viana do Castelo) and central (3.6% in Viseu and 3.8% in Lisbon) districts, and infection was reported, for the first time, in the districts of Leiria and Beja. The mild temperatures and elevated humidity levels, characteristic of Portugal’s northern and coastal regions, promote increased gastropod host activity and population density while also accelerating parasite development. The effect of wildlife reservoirs must also be considered, since higher seroprevalences were detected recently in red foxes from Portuguese northern regions. Bivariate Chi-square test analysis identified male sex and an outdoors lifestyle as risk factors. These findings confirm the enzootic presence of A. vasorum throughout the country and highlight the need for increased clinical awareness, routine screening, and the implementation of effective prophylactic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of Animals)
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17 pages, 7172 KiB  
Article
Development of a Colloidal Gold-Based Immunochromatographic Strip Targeting the Nucleoprotein for Rapid Detection of Canine Distemper Virus
by Zichen Zhang, Zhuangli Bi, Qingqing Du, Miao Zhang, Linying Cai, Yiming Fan, Jingjie Tang, Mingxing Hu, Shiqiang Zhu, Aoxing Tang, Guijun Wang, Guangqing Liu and Yingqi Zhu
Biosensors 2025, 15(7), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15070432 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 348
Abstract
Canine distemper, a fatal and highly transmissible disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), poses a major threat to the companion animal industry. An urgent need exists for a rapid, specific, and simple method for the detection of this disease in order [...] Read more.
Canine distemper, a fatal and highly transmissible disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), poses a major threat to the companion animal industry. An urgent need exists for a rapid, specific, and simple method for the detection of this disease in order to improve its prevention and control. In this research, two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), 1D3E9 and 1H9B7, were prepared, both of which specifically recognize the nucleoprotein (N protein) of CDV, and an immunochromatographic assay for CDV detection was subsequently developed using these mAbs. The results showed that both mAbs belong to the IgG1 subclass with kappa light chains. 1D3E9 was found to recognize the linear epitope 410AGPKQSQITFLH421, while 1H9B7 targeted the epitope 450HFNDERFPGH459. The test strips exhibited high specificity and good stability for up to two months when stored at 4, 25, and 37 °C. The assay exhibited a sensitivity of 102.39 TCID50/0.1 mL. When compared with RT-PCR for detecting CDV in clinical samples, the concordance rate was 91.67%. Thus, this method shows great potential for facilitating rapid on-site detection of CDV and could be highly beneficial from the viewpoint of disease surveillance and control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosensors and Healthcare)
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15 pages, 455 KiB  
Article
Dead or Alive? Identification of Postmortem Blood Through Detection of D-Dimer
by Amy N. Brodeur, Tai-Hua Tsai, Gulnaz T. Javan, Dakota Bell, Christian Stadler, Gabriela Roca and Sara C. Zapico
Biology 2025, 14(7), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14070784 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 370
Abstract
At crime scenes, apart from the detection of blood, it may be important to determine whether a person was alive at the time of blood deposition. Based on the rapid onset of fibrinolysis after death, this pathway could be considered to identify potential [...] Read more.
At crime scenes, apart from the detection of blood, it may be important to determine whether a person was alive at the time of blood deposition. Based on the rapid onset of fibrinolysis after death, this pathway could be considered to identify potential biomarkers for postmortem blood. Fibrinolysis is the natural process that breaks down blood clots after healing a vascular injury. One of its products, D-dimer, could be a potential biomarker for postmortem blood. SERATEC® (SERATEC® GmbH, Göttingen, Germany) has developed the PMB immunochromatographic assay to simultaneously detect human hemoglobin and D-dimer. The main goals of this study were to assess the possibility of using this test to detect postmortem blood, evaluate D-dimer levels in antemortem, menstrual, and postmortem blood, and assess the ability to obtain STR profiles from postmortem blood. Except for one degraded sample, all postmortem blood samples reacted positively for the presence of D-dimer using the SERATEC® PMB test. All antemortem blood samples from living individuals showed negative results for D-dimer detection, except for one liquid sample with a weak positive result, probably due to pre-existing health conditions. Menstrual blood samples gave variable results for D-dimer. The DIMERTEST® Latex assay was used for semi-quantitative measurement of D-dimer concentrations, with postmortem and menstrual blood yielding higher D-dimer concentrations compared to antemortem blood. Full STR profiles were developed for all postmortem samples tested except for one degraded sample, pointing to the possibility of not only detecting postmortem blood at the crime scene but also the potential identification of the victim. Full article
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19 pages, 1819 KiB  
Article
Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis: Circulating Strains After the Introduction of the Rotavirus Vaccine (Rotarix®) in Luanda Province of Angola
by Dikudila G. Vita, Cristina Santiso-Bellón, Manuel Lemos, Zoraima Neto, Elsa Fortes-Gabriel, Miguel Brito, Cruz S. Sebastião, Jesus Rodriguez-Diaz, Celso Cunha and Claudia Istrate
Viruses 2025, 17(6), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17060858 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 854
Abstract
Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis (R. alphagastroenteritidis) remains the leading cause of pediatric diarrhea. Although Angola introduced Rotarix®, the human monovalent R. alphagastroenteritidis vaccine since 2014 as part of its routine childhood immunization program, no follow-up study has been conducted. [...] Read more.
Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis (R. alphagastroenteritidis) remains the leading cause of pediatric diarrhea. Although Angola introduced Rotarix®, the human monovalent R. alphagastroenteritidis vaccine since 2014 as part of its routine childhood immunization program, no follow-up study has been conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of R. alphagastroenteritidis genotypes among children under five years of age, hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis (AGE), after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine. To achieve this goal, stool samples collected between 2021 and 2022 from children under 5 years of age diagnosed with AGE at six hospitals in Luanda Province were analyzed. The R. alphagastroenteritidis-antigen immunochromatographic test (SD Bioline™, Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) was performed, and 121 positive samples were genotyped. Ten samples were randomly selected for further Sanger sequencing. The results showed that the G9P[6] was the most prevalent genotype (17.3%), followed by G9P[8] (16.5%), G2P[4] (14.9%), G3P[6] (13.2%), G8P[6] (11.5%), and less frequently G12P[8] (9.1%), G1P[6] (4.1%), and G1P[8] (2.5%). The genotype combinations G3P[6], G8P[6], and G12P[8] were detected for the first time in Luanda Province. In conclusion, the emergence of new genotype combinations supports the need for continuous surveillance to identify the trend in R. alphagastroenteritidis infection and the emergence of new strains circulating in Luanda Province in the post-vaccination period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses Associated with Gastroenteritis)
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12 pages, 682 KiB  
Article
Neurological Manifestation of Canine Distemper Virus: Increased Risk in Young Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso with Seasonal Prevalence in Autumn
by Heloisa L. Freire, Ítalo H. N. Iara, Luana S. R. Ribeiro, Paulo A. O. Gonçalves, David H. Matta and Bruno B. J. Torres
Viruses 2025, 17(6), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17060820 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 828
Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious disease with high morbidity and mortality rates in veterinary medicine. This retrospective study aimed to identify epidemiological characteristics and potential risk factors associated with CDV infection in dogs exhibiting neurological manifestations. The diagnosis was confirmed [...] Read more.
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious disease with high morbidity and mortality rates in veterinary medicine. This retrospective study aimed to identify epidemiological characteristics and potential risk factors associated with CDV infection in dogs exhibiting neurological manifestations. The diagnosis was confirmed through immunochromatographic antigen testing, RT-PCR, or Lentz corpuscles identification. Dogs diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) disorders unrelated to CDV served as the control group. Age, breed, weight, sex, and neuter status were compared between groups using logistic regression (p < 0.05), the log-likelihood method, and log odds ratio (LOR) calculations. Clinical signs, seasonality, and vaccination protocols were documented. Prevalence, mortality, lethality, and survival rates were determined. Younger dogs (p = 0.00690; LOR = −0.01438) and Shih Tzu (p = 0.00007; LOR = 1.53774) and Lhasa Apso (p = 0.000264; LOR = 1.76084) showed a significantly increased likelihood of developing neurological signs due to CDV infection. Most CDV-infected dogs exhibited multifocal CNS involvement and accompanying extra-neural signs. The highest occurrence of CDV-related neurological signs was recorded in autumn. Many infected dogs had an updated vaccination protocol. The prevalence of dogs with CDV was 4.72%. Mortality and lethality rates were 1.94% and 47.06%, respectively. The median survival time was 754 days. The identified epidemiological characteristics and risk factors provide essential insights for improving preventive strategies against CDV infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Canine Distemper Virus)
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13 pages, 822 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of RT-PCR and a Colloidal Gold Immunochromatographic Assay for SARS-CoV-2 Detection
by Hui Li, Dakai Liu, Qiang Zhou, George D. Rodriguez, Harlan Pietz, Vishnu Singh, Eric Konadu, Keither K. James, Calvin Lui, Mingyu Shao, Junyu Chen, Andrew Schreiner, Carl Urban, James Truong, Nishant Prasad and William Harry Rodgers
Diagnostics 2025, 15(11), 1362; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15111362 - 28 May 2025
Viewed by 615
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for rapid, accurate, and accessible diagnostic testing to effectively manage and contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2. RT-PCR is widely recognized as the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 detection due to its high sensitivity and specificity. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for rapid, accurate, and accessible diagnostic testing to effectively manage and contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2. RT-PCR is widely recognized as the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 detection due to its high sensitivity and specificity. However, RT-PCR testing requires specialized laboratory equipment, highly trained personnel, and extended processing times, which limits its feasibility for large-scale screening and point-of-care applications. This study aims to systematically evaluate the diagnostic performance of RT-PCR and a colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA). Methods: By comparing these two methods, we seek to determine a GICA’s effectiveness as a complementary or alternative diagnostic tool, particularly in resource-limited settings and scenarios requiring rapid, large-scale testing. We assessed the following key clinical parameters: sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV, and accuracy. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between GICA signal intensity and RT-PCR Ct values using regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and the calculated area under the curve. Results: Our findings indicate that while RT-PCR exhibits superior sensitivity, GICA results demonstrate a strong correlation with RT-PCR results and provide a rapid, cost-effective alternative for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Unlike RT-PCR, which requires extensive resources and prolonged turnaround times, a GICA delivers results within 20 min, making it a viable option for decentralized testing and real-time public health interventions. Conclusions: These results suggest that a GICA can serve as a complementary diagnostic tool alongside RT-PCR, particularly in resource-limited settings and high-throughput screening scenarios. By integrating GICAs into broader testing strategies, healthcare systems can enhance early detection efforts, improve accessibility to diagnostics, and strengthen pandemic response measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Infectious Disease Diagnosis Technologies)
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14 pages, 1406 KiB  
Article
Zika Virus in Malaria-Endemic Populations: A Climate Change-Driven Syndemic in the Sudan Savannah, Nigeria
by Rebecca B. Atai, Maryam Aminu, Elijah E. Ella, Grace S. N. Kia, Emmanuel T. Obishakin, Helen G. Luka, Ganih S. Joel and Anyebe B. Onoja
Microbiol. Res. 2025, 16(6), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres16060109 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 1021
Abstract
Zika and malaria are important vector-borne febrile illnesses in humans. In this study, we determined the circulation of Zika virus and malaria infections, their hotspots, and their predominant clinical features. A cross-sectional study was carried out in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in [...] Read more.
Zika and malaria are important vector-borne febrile illnesses in humans. In this study, we determined the circulation of Zika virus and malaria infections, their hotspots, and their predominant clinical features. A cross-sectional study was carried out in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kaduna State, Nigeria, from September 2018 to May 2019. Four hundred and twenty sera were screened for Zika virus (ZV) IgM and IgG, and Plasmodium falciparum antigen using ELISA and immunochromatographic test, respectively. Overall, a seroprevalence of 14.5% was found for Zika, and 9.3% for malaria. Nineteen (4.5%) and thirty-five (8.3%) patients were seropositive for ZV IgM and IgG, respectively. Co-infection rates for Zika (ZV IgM) and malaria (0.5%: 2/420), and for ZV IgG and malaria (0.7%: 3/420) were observed. Lere (10%: 7/70 for ZV IgM), Kachia (14.3%: 10/70 for ZV IgG) and Zaria (18.6%: 13/70 for malaria) LGAs were identified as hotspots for Zika and malaria. Age was significantly associated with malaria (p = 0.008) and ZV IgG (p = 0.004). Patients aged 1–10 years had the highest malaria seroprevalence (18.4%), while those aged 21–30 years had the highest ZV IgM prevalence (6.1%: 7/114). Out of the pregnant patients (56/420) tested, 5.37% (3/56) had antibodies to both recent and past ZV infection. A significant association was found between maculopapular rash (p = 0.021) and Zika, as well as between duration of the fever and recent Zika infection (p = 0.041). We highlight that malaria is endemic in Kaduna and that ZV is silently circulating, providing baseline data for further molecular epidemiological studies. Full article
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20 pages, 4875 KiB  
Article
From Conjugation to Detection: Development of Lateral Flow Assay for Zearalenone
by Vinayak Sharma, Bilal Javed, Hugh J. Byrne and Furong Tian
ChemEngineering 2025, 9(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9030054 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 1446
Abstract
The development of rapid, sensitive and cost-effective lateral flow assays is crucial for the detection of mycotoxins, ideally at the point-of-care level. This study presents the design and optimization of a competitive lateral flow assay based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the detection [...] Read more.
The development of rapid, sensitive and cost-effective lateral flow assays is crucial for the detection of mycotoxins, ideally at the point-of-care level. This study presents the design and optimization of a competitive lateral flow assay based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the detection of zearalenone in food samples. Beginning with the synthesis and functionalization of gold nanoparticles, it proceeds to compare the immobilization of antibodies using chemical conjugation and physical adsorption binding strategies, upon optimizing parameters including the pH, antibody concentration and blocking conditions to enhance the stability of the prepared bioconjugates. The bioconjugates are characterized using UV–visible absorption spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering to monitor changes in the spectra and hydrodynamic size of AuNPs upon the addition of antibodies. The assessment of these bioconjugates is based on their ability to bind and manifest a color, developed due to nanoparticle binding with the test zone on the strip with the toxin–protein conjugate. The lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) strips are then prepared by dispensing a control line (IgG) and test line (toxin–protein conjugate) on a nitrocellulose membrane using a lateral flow strip dispenser. The sensitivity of the LFIA strips is evaluated after standardizing the conditions by varying the concentration of zearalenone in the spiked samples and optimizing the running buffer solution. The limit of detection and limit of quantification under optimized conditions are determined to be 0.7 ng/mL and 2.37 ng for zearalenone-spiked samples. Furthermore, the mean pixel intensity and RGB values are plotted against the concentration of zearalenone, which can be used in a colorimetric smartphone-based application for the quantification of the amount of mycotoxin in the sample. Full article
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12 pages, 1212 KiB  
Article
Development of an Immunochromatographic Test with Recombinant MIC2-MIC3 Fusion Protein for Serological Detection of Toxoplasma gondii
by Jianzhong Wang, Yi Zhao, Jicheng Qiu, Jing Liu, Rui Zhou, Xialin Ma, Xiaojie Wu, Xiaoguang Li, Wei Mao, Yiduo Liu and Heng Zhang
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(6), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12060509 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 633
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally significant zoonotic pathogen responsible for severe parasitic diseases in humans and animals. This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a novel immunochromatographic test (ICT) using a recombinant MIC2-MIC3 fusion protein (rMIC2-MIC3) for detecting specific antibodies against T. [...] Read more.
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally significant zoonotic pathogen responsible for severe parasitic diseases in humans and animals. This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a novel immunochromatographic test (ICT) using a recombinant MIC2-MIC3 fusion protein (rMIC2-MIC3) for detecting specific antibodies against T. gondii. The ICT demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, capable of detecting T. gondii-specific antibodies in sera diluted up to 1:8. Specificity evaluation confirmed no cross-reactivity with antibodies against other parasites, such as Neospora caninum, Cryptosporidium suis, Eimeria tenella, and Sarcocystis tenella. Stability tests revealed the test strips maintained full functionality after 12 weeks of storage at 24 °C. The coincidence rate of the colloidal gold test strips prepared in this study with a commercial ELISA kit was 94.59%. Comparisons with advanced serodiagnostic tools, such as chimeric antigen-based ELISAs and recombinant protein diagnostics, further highlighted its robustness and applicability. These findings underscore the potential of the rMIC2-MIC3-based ICT as a reliable, economical, and accessible diagnostic tool for toxoplasmosis in veterinary and human medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology)
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15 pages, 657 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Diagnostic Methods for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: Immunochromatographic Assay and RNases Hybridization-Assisted Amplification Test Kit Compared to Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
by Thanikran Suwannachote, Wisut Prasitsuwan, Thirawat Sumalai and Sakchai Ruenphet
Animals 2025, 15(10), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101484 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 644
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are globally prevalent retroviral pathogens that pose significant health risks to domestic cats. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of two point-of-care—the immunochromatographic assay (ICA) and the RNase hybridization-assisted amplification (RHAM) test [...] Read more.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are globally prevalent retroviral pathogens that pose significant health risks to domestic cats. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of two point-of-care—the immunochromatographic assay (ICA) and the RNase hybridization-assisted amplification (RHAM) test kit—against reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the current gold standard for FeLV and FIV detection. For FeLV detection, ICA demonstrated a sensitivity of 86.89%, specificity of 96.55%, accuracy of 90.00%, and precision of 98.15%, while for FIV detection, the assay showed a sensitivity of 75.86%, specificity of 88.52%, accuracy of 84.44%, and precision of 75.86%. In contrast, the RHAM test exhibited superior performance, with FeLV detection sensitivity of 93.44%, specificity of 98.28%, accuracy of 94.44%, and precision of 98.28%. For FIV detection, RHAM demonstrated a sensitivity of 75.86%, specificity of 100%, accuracy of 92.22%, and precision of 100%. Additionally, the RHAM assay significantly reduced detection time compared to RT-qPCR, enabling expedited clinical decision-making, alleviating laboratory workload, and lowering diagnostic costs. These benefits are particularly relevant in veterinary settings with limited access to PCR-based diagnostics, where the RHAM assay represents a rapid, reliable, and resource-efficient alternative for FeLV and FIV detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue General Epidemiology of Animal Viruses (Second Edition))
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17 pages, 4883 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and Other Gastrointestinal Pathogens Among Patients Admitted to Research Hospitals in Campania Region, Italy
by Marianna Ascierto, Annalisa Chianese, Francesco Foglia, Emiliana Finamore, Luciana Petrullo, Carla Zannella, Anna De Filippis, Maria Grazia Coppola and Massimiliano Galdiero
Pathogens 2025, 14(5), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14050425 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 942
Abstract
Background. Blastocystis spp. is a common protozoan found in the gastrointestinal tract, typically existing as a non-pathogenic organism in humans and other animals. However, it can become pathogenic when the immune system is compromised due to bacterial, viral, fungal, or other parasitic infections, [...] Read more.
Background. Blastocystis spp. is a common protozoan found in the gastrointestinal tract, typically existing as a non-pathogenic organism in humans and other animals. However, it can become pathogenic when the immune system is compromised due to bacterial, viral, fungal, or other parasitic infections, as well as systemic conditions, leading to symptomatic blastocystosis. Methods. Fecal samples were collected from patients at the University Hospital of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” and Cotugno Hospital in Naples. Among these samples, those that tested positive for Blastocystis spp. and were associated with other microbial infections were further analyzed. Bacterial co-infections were identified using immunochromatographic tests (ICTs) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Viral infections were detected using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), while fungal infections were diagnosed through microscopic examination and molecular biology techniques. Additionally, co-infections with other parasites were identified through microscopic analysis after Ridley’s concentration and Giemsa staining (O&P). Results. Out of the 2050 stool samples collected, 121 were positive for Blastocystis spp., of which 75 were associated with other infections. We identified the vacuolar form in patients co-infected with bacteria (n = 22), viruses (n = 30), fungi (n = 3), and other parasites (n = 20). Conclusions. Our findings indicated a higher incidence of the vacuolar form of Blastocystis spp. in symptomatic and immunocompromised patients, suggesting that a weakened immune system may increase the risk of contracting Blastocystis and other microbial infections. Full article
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15 pages, 1433 KiB  
Article
A Silent Threat in Post-Tuberculosis Patients: Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis Survey in Multiple Regions of Indonesia (I-CHROME Study)
by Anna Rozaliyani, Findra Setianingrum, Fathiyah Isbaniah, Heidy Agustin, Raden Rara Diah Handayani, Rosamarlina Syahrir, Siti Pratiekauri, Robiatul Adawiyah, Hesti Setiastuti, Mohammad Nizam Erhamza, Retno Ariza S. Soemarwoto, Irvan Medison, Deddy Herman, Avissena Dutha Pratama, Jatu Apridasari, Jani Jane, Soedarsono Soedarsono, Tutik Kusmiati, Mufidatun Hasanah, Diah Adhyaksanti, Winda Sofvina, Ammar A. Hasyim, Chris Kosmidis and David W. Denningadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Fungi 2025, 11(5), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11050329 - 22 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background: A significant complication among post-tuberculosis patients is chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), with prevalence and outcomes varying by region. This study aimed to explore the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and microbiological profiles of 219 post-tuberculosis patients with persistent respiratory symptoms and lung cavities in [...] Read more.
Background: A significant complication among post-tuberculosis patients is chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), with prevalence and outcomes varying by region. This study aimed to explore the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and microbiological profiles of 219 post-tuberculosis patients with persistent respiratory symptoms and lung cavities in Indonesia. Methods: The patients were divided into CPA (n = 144) and non-CPA (n = 75) groups. This cross-sectional study diagnosed CPA in post-tuberculosis patients using ERS/ESCMID criteria, integrating clinical, radiological, and fungal assessments. Serological tests for Aspergillus-specific IgG were conducted using immunochromatographic (ICT) and ELISA on serum samples. Sputum specimens were used in parallel for fungal culture, and radiological evaluations (e.g., chest X-rays or CT scans) were performed to identify typical CPA features such as cavitation and fibrosis. Results: Persistent cough was significantly more common in CPA patients (83.3%, p = 0.015), highlighting its role as a clinical indicator for CPA. Radiological infiltrates were found in 165 patients (75.3%); critical diagnostic markers of CPA were cavitation and pericavitary fibrosis. Aspergillus-specific IgG testing demonstrated high diagnostic utility, with positivity rates of 69.4% for ICT and 63.2% for ELISA among CPA patients. Among those with infiltrates, a positive Aspergillus culture was not more common (p > 0.05), whereas Aspergillus IgG was more often raised (p = 0.037), as was a positive ICT (p = 0.021). Regional analysis revealed a higher CPA burden in Region 1 (75%) compared to Region 2 (56%, p = 0.003), with Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger predominating in Region 1. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive approaches and region-specific CPA management strategies in Indonesia. Full article
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