Development and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against Erythrocytic Stages of Plasmodium Vivax and Use in Detection of Malaria

Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against P. vivax erythrocytic stage antigens were isolated. Here, we describe the production of six MAbs. Culture supernatant from growing hybridomas was tested for their reactivity with P. vivax erythrocytic stages by ELISA against P. vivax crude (PvC) antigen and by immunofluorescence assay on P. vivax infected erythrocyte smears. P. vivax positive hybridomas were checked for immunoglobulin isotyping by ELISA. Seroreactivity of MAbs was also determined against PvC antigen by inhibition ELISA and competitive binding assay. On Western blot, the MAbs identified proteins of different molecular weights. Mouse-specific IgG concentrations were determined in the culture supernatant of six hybridomas. Dot-blot assay showed specific reaction of monoclonal antibodies with the blood samples taken from P. vivax infected patients. The MAbs directed against parasite proteins would be helpful in the development of diagnostic test.