[Detection of virulence-associated factors of Streptococcus suis by multiplex PCR assay].

Objective: To rapidly and sensitively detect the four virulence-associated factors of Streptococcus suis, a multiplex PCR was developed.

Methods: In the process of this reaction, four distinct DNA targets were amplified. One target was based on the serotype 2 (and 1/2) specific cps gene and the others were based on Streptococcus suis mrp, epf (epf*) and sly gene, encoding the MRP, EF(EF*) and Sly proteins of Streptococcus suis.

Microarray analysis of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Aim: To establish the rapid, specific, and sensitive method for detecting O157:H7 with DNA microchips.

Methods: Specific oligonucleotide probes (26-28 nt) of bacterial antigenic and virulent genes of E. coli O157:H7 and other related pathogen genes were pre-synthesized and immobilized on a solid support to make microchips.

[Expression, purification and serological reactivity of a chimeric antigen of GRA6 with P30 from Toxoplasma gondii].

Major surface protein (p30) and Dense Granule Antigen GRA6 of Toxoplasma gondii have good antigenicity, and could be used for detection of IgM against Toxoplasma gondii. GRA6 may complement P30 to reach more high sensitivity for detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, so, we try to express the chimeric protein of GRA6 and P30 by genetic engineering, identify its antignenicity and use for developing diagnosis reagent. Antigenic domains of p30 and GRA6 of Toxoplasma gondii were screened by analyzing their sequences using the software ANTHEWIN.

[Prevalence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome virus in domestic pigs: an epidemiological investigation in Shandong province].

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological significance of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome virus (HFRSV) infection in domestic pigs in Shandong province, and study the role of domestic pigs in the prevalence of HFRS.

Methods: Epidemiological investigation was performed in 4 cities of Shandong province. Reversed passive hemagglutination assay (RPHA), reversed passive hemagglutination inhibition (RPHI), HPR-SPA, immunofluorescent antibody (IFA), and reverse transcriptional PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect antigen and antibody of HFRSV.

[Screening and identification of mimic epitopes of monoclonal antibodies against hantaan virus using phage display technique].

Aim: To obtain mimic epitopes of monoclonal antibody (mAb) against Hantaan virus, and identify preliminarily their immunological characteristics.

Methods: Group-specific mAbs F3 and B11 were used as selective molecules for biopanning. After biopanning, the positive phages were identified by ELISA and DNA sequencing.

Induction of SARS-nucleoprotein-specific immune response by use of DNA vaccine.

Induction of effective cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and/or a specific antibody against conserved viral proteins may be essential to the development of a safe and effective severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-Cov) vaccine. DNA vaccination represents a new strategy for induction of humoral and cellular immune response. To determine the ability of SARS-Cov nucleoprotein (N protein) to induce antiviral immunity, in this report, we established a stable C2C12 line expressing SARS-Cov N protein, which was used as a target for specific CTL assay.

[Expression of TPO mimetic peptide chimeric proteins with human IgG1 Fc fragments and their biological characters].

Many antineoplastic agents can cause myelosuppression and thrombocytopenia. Thrombopoietin (TPO) is believed to be the major cytokine affecting the proliferation and maturation of megakaryocytes and increasing circulating platelet levels. We have designed and synthesized a TPO mimetic peptide, it can increase circulating platelet levels in vivo.