Compositions and methods for detection of Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis antibodies

Abstract

The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection of Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis antibodies and antibody fragments.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A composition of matter comprising an isolated polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO:2 or variants thereof.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 2 , further comprising a carrier.  
     
     
         3 . An article of manufacture comprising packaging material and, contained within the packaging material, a polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO:2 or variants thereof.  
     
     
         4 . The article of manufacture of  claim 3  wherein the packaging material comprises a label that indicates that the polypeptide can be used for the identification of Ehrlichia infection in a mammal.  
     
     
         5 . The article of manufacture of  claim 4 , wherein the identification of an Ehrlichia infection is done using a method of detecting presence of antibodies to Ehrlichia comprising: 
 (a) contacting a polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO:2, or variants thereof, with a test sample suspected of comprising antibodies to Ehrlichia, under conditions that allow polypeptide/antibody complexes to form;    (b) detecting polypeptide/antibody complexes;    wherein the detection of polypeptide/antibody complexes is an indication that an Ehrlichia infection is present.    
     
     
         6 . The article of manufacture of  claim 4 , wherein the Ehrlichia infection is caused by  Ehrlichia canis  or  Ehrlichia chaffeensis.