Preparation and identification of polyclonal antibodies specific for nsp4 protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus / 生物工程学报

To obtain specific antibodies against nsp4 protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), nsp4 gene was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pET-28a(+) vector, designated pET28a-nsp4. pET28a-nsp4 was transformed into Escherichia coli Trasseta (DE3) cells and expressed after induction of IPTG. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the recombinant protein was expressed in soluble form with the molecular weight of 26 kDa. The soluble fusion protein in the supernatant was purified using Ni+-NTA affinity chromatography. New Zealand rabbits were immunized by the purified nsp4 and anti-sera against nsp4 were obtained. The titer of polyclonal antibodies was about 106 and showed good specificity and sensitivity in the immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting analysis. The polyclonal antibodies also recognized native nsp4 form PRRSV infected Marc-145 cells, providing a useful tool in PRRSV replication mechanism study.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of pseudorabies in Shandong province of China

A cross-sectional serological study was conducted in Shandong province of China to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with seropositivity due to pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection in small- and medium-sized farrow-to-finish herds following outbreaks of variant PRV strains. A total of 6,035 blood samples from 224 randomly selected herds were screened. The results showed that 25.0% of the herds and 56.7% of the serum samples were seropositive for field strains of PRV. Herds consisting of 50–100 breeding sows had higher herd seroprevalence and serum sample seroprevalence than larger herds. Both the highest herd seroprevalence and highest serum sample seroprevalence were observed in western Shandong, followed northern Shandong. Based on univariate analysis, the following risk factors were utilized in subsequent multivariable logistic regression analysis: region, herd size, weight of purchased gilts, and all-in/all-out practice. Upon multivariate analysis, region, herd size, weight of purchased gilts and all-in/all-out practice were significantly associated with PRV herd seropositivity. These findings indicate that we are facing a serious situation in the prevention and control of pseudorabies. The results could help predict the next outbreak and set out control measures.

Indirect ELISA for detection of antibodies against swine influenza virus (H1N1) / 生物工程学报

In order to detect antibody against swine influenza virus (H1N1), HA1 region of hemagglutinin gene in epidemic swine influenza virus (H1N1) strain was amplified and subcloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET30a. Then recombinant HA1 protein was expressed by Escherichia coli BL21. The purified recombinant HA1 protein was obtained after the treatment of denaturing, refolding and affinity chromatography with immobilized nickel chelating NTA (Ni-NTA). An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was established using the purified protein as antigen. Then 785 swine serum samples collected during 2008-2009 were detected by this method, and the positive ratio was 15.54%. There were diversities among provinces (8%-47%). The diagnostic specificity and diagnostic sensitivity of this method arrived at 91% and 95% respectively, using the results of IDEXX ELISA kit as reference.