Diagnostic assays for detection of Entamoeba histolytica

Abstract

This invention provides methods, reagents, and kits that are useful for diagnosing infection by E. histolytica. The methods are based on the discovery of binding agents, including recombinant polyclonal antibodies, that bind to the 29 kDa antigen of E. histolytica.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of diagnosing infection of a mammal by an Entamoeba species, the method comprising: 
 contacting a stool sample obtained from the mammal with a capture reagent which binds to a 29 kDa antigen of  Entamoeba histolytica  or  Entamoeba dispar,  wherein the capture reagent forms a complex with the 29 kDa antigen if the 29 kDa antigen is present in the stool sample; and    detecting whether 29 kDa antigen is bound to the capture reagent, wherein the presence of 29 kDa antigen is indicative of Entamoeba infection of the mammal.    
     
     
         2 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the capture reagent comprises an antibody which binds to 29 kDa antigen.  
     
     
         3 . The method of    claim 2   , wherein the antibody is a recombinant antibody.  
     
     
         4 . The method of    claim 3   , wherein the antibody is EH29.Ab.32.PC.  
     
     
         5 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the capture reagent is immobilized on a solid support.  
     
     
         6 . The method of    claim 5   , wherein the capture reagent is immobilized on the solid support prior to contacting the capture reagent with the stool sample.  
     
     
         7 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the detection of the 29 kDa antigen is performed by contacting the 29 kDa antigen with a detection reagent which binds to the 29 kDa antigen.  
     
     
         8 . The method of    claim 7   , wherein the detection reagent comprises an antibody which binds to 29 kDa antigen.  
     
     
         9 . The method of    claim 7   , wherein the detection reagent comprises a detectable label.  
     
     
         10 . The method of    claim 9   , wherein the detectable label is selected from the group consisting of a radioactive label, a fluorophore, a dye, an enzyme, and a chemilumenscent label.  
     
     
         11 . A kit for diagnosing infection of a mammal by an Entamoeba species, the kit comprising: 
 a solid support upon which is immobilized a capture reagent which binds to a 29 kDa antigen of  Entamoeba histolytica;  and    a detection reagent which binds to the 29 kDa antigen.    
     
     
         12 . The kit according to    claim 11   , wherein the kit further comprises a positive control that comprises a 29 kDa antigen.  
     
     
         13 . A monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to 29 kDa antigen of  E. histolytica,  wherein the monoclonal antibody is EH29.Ab.13.  
     
     
         14 . A recombinant polyclonal antibody preparation that specifically binds to 29 kDa antigen of  E. histolytica.    
     
     
         15 . The recombinant polyclonal antibody preparation of    claim 14   , wherein the antibody preparation is EH29.Ab.32.PC.