Rapid Detection of Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Mosquitoes
Abstract
The increased incidence of malaria and dengue fever around the globe has created a need for more monitoring and surveillance in the field where infected mosquitoes may be encountered. We proposed to develop and deliver 1,000 one-step 'field usable' tests capable of detecting dengue virus, P. vivax and P. falciparum in mosquitoe extracts. We contracted to provide rapid tests utilizing such antibodies and antigens available from the DOD. The success of this program was dependent upon the performance characteristics of the reagents provided. We screened, selected, and optimized reagents provided by WRAIR in a rapid immunochromatographic test format. In the simple procedure, a test strip is inserted into 0.2 milliliters of malarial mosquito extract in a clear plastic tube. After 5 minutes the strip is inspected for the appearance of a red-purple colored procedural control line. A positive result is indicated by the appearance of a second red-purple line. We prepared several hundred strips employing the selected malarial (P. vivax, P. falciparum) monoclonal antibodies. The sensitivity of these assays is in the range of 12 nanograms per 0.2 ml of circumsporozoite protein. These strips have been placed in labeled foil pouches in 50 test kits along with extraction reagent, controls, and package insert.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADB228982
Entities
People
- David B Bernstein