Evaluation of a recombinant p24 antigen for the detection of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus-specific antibodies1

Mazur C., Reis J.K.P., Leite R.C., Danelli M.G.M., Hagiwara M.K. & Medeiros M.A. 2010. Evaluation of a recombinant p24 antigen for the detection of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus-specific antibodies. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(10):877880. Laboratório de Viroses Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected] Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a worldwide infection and is considered a significant pathogen. The diagnosis of FIV infections is mainly based on commercially available rapid tests that are highly expensive in Brazil, hence it is rarely performed in the country. Furthermore, lentiviruses grow slowly and poorly in tissue cultures, making the production of viral antigen by classic means and thus the establishment of FIV immunodiagnosis impracticable. In order to deal with this, recombinant DNA techniques were adopted to produce the protein p24, a viral capsid antigen. The protein’s reactivity evaluation analyzed by Western blot indicated that this recombinant antigen can be a useful tool for the immunodiagnostic of FIV infections.