ABI Releases Toxoplasma gondii strain RH Purified Tachyzoites Lysate to Assist Investigators In T. gondii Research

New product useful for determining the immune response against Toxoplasma gondii, to assist investigators working on improving the methods used to detect T. gondii infection.

Columbia, Maryland - March 3, 2010 - Advanced Biotechnologies Inc (ABI) has released Toxoplasma gondii_RH Purified Tachyzoites Lysate for use in manufacturing and in research on Toxoplasma gondii.  This purified, high-activity lysate is useful for determining T. gondii-specific antibodies IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE, and interferon-gamma, IL-2 production by T-lymphocytes as an indicator of cell-mediated immune response.

T. gondii infects up to one-third of the world’s population, with adult infection varying between 15% to 85%, depending on the geographic area.  Toxoplasmosis, which is caused by T. gondii, is second only to CMV as the most common congenital infection, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in congenitally infected children.  Infected newborns may be asymptomatic at birth, but they are still at risk of developing congenital diseases during childhood or adolescence.  The reactivation of latent infection in immunocompromised patients can cause severe diseases, including encephalitis.

Currently, T. gondii can be diagnosed indirectly by detecting specific antibodies, or directly by PCR hybridization, isolation, and histological examination of infected tissues.  Investigators are actively researching methods of improving T. gondii diagnostic methods and developing innovative methods that will, in time, lead to more reliable results.

ABI’s Toxoplasma gondii_RH was grown in Vero cells.  The tachyzoites were then purified and lysed with Triton X-100.  The finished product tested negative for bacteria, yeast, and fungi by ABI’s assay methods.  Additionally, a BCA protein assay, SDS-PAGE, and validation of tachyzoite lysis by cell count were performed.  ELISAs were also performed, using Toxoplasma IgG positive and negative human plasma and a reference Toxoplasma IgG mixed titer human plasma panel.

About Advanced Biotechnologies Inc (ABI):

Since 1982, ABI has produced and supplied innovative virology products and services to researchers and manufacturers worldwide.  ABI offers a wide range of standard and custom products and services, including large-scale in vitro production of HIV and other viruses.  For more information about ABI’s capabilities, visit www.abionline.com.

For more information about ABI or Toxoplasma gondii_RH Purified Tachyzoites Lysate (catalog number 10-279-001/10-279-025), contact your local ABI distributor or: