Objective
AR 28 klDa protein of Brucella has been shown to induce antibody response in infected sheep not detected in vaccinated animals. This makes this protein an interesting candidate for a brucellosis diagnostic test ailowing the differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals something difficult with the current serological tests usually detecting anti-LPS antibodies that are generated in both infected and vaccinated animals. These antibodies are also responsible for cross-reactions with other microorganisms . The objectives are:
- To evaluate the interest of the recombinant protein for the specific diagnosis of brucellosis and serological differentiation between infection and vaccination in sheep and cow.
- Construction of vaccinal mutant strains not expressing the protein. Vaccination with these mutants would improve the test effectiveness avoiding the detection of possible positive reactions among vaccinated animals.
- To analyze, using the mouse model, the role of the protein in the protective activity and virulence of the vaccinal strains.
Funding Scheme
RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)Coordinator
37007 Salamanca
Spain