An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of trypanosomal antigens in goat serum using a monoclonal antibody.

An IgM murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) TEA 1/23.3.4.6 raised against circulating trypanosome antigens was used in a sandwich ELISA to assay trypanosomal antigens in a trypanosome lysate preparation and in sera from goats infected with Trypanosoma brucei evansi. As little as 1.25 ug/ml of trypanosomal antigen could be detected by this assay. Following infection, trypanosomal antigens were first detected in goat serum 24 hours after the intravenous (i/v) or 6 days after the intramuscular (i/m) inoculation of trypanosome parasites. Antigen levels remained detectable during the course of infection. After treatment with diminazene aceturate, antigens dropped to undetectable levels between day 12 to 41, suggesting that this assay offers a promising approach to the diagnosis of African Trypanosomiasis.