Bartonella henselae is an opportunistic pathogen that causes disease in AIDS patients and intravenous drug abusers. Diagnosis of disease would be enhanced if a specific antigen could be identified. To this end the following aims have been identified.
Aim 1 : To identify genes encoding major antigens of B. henselae. A DNA lambda phage library will be screened with HIV-1 infected patient sera that are positive by indirect fluorescence assay (IFA) to Bartonella spp. Clones will be rescued and expressed in E. Coli.
Aim 2 : Determine the nucleotide sequence and control mechanisms of the gene coding for the antigen. Vector specific primers and exonuclease digestion of the insert will be used with dideoxynucleotide chain termination sequencing.
Aim 3 : Evaluate the diagnostic potential of the recombinant protein and its associated gene. Purified protein will be used as an antigen in ELISA assay.
Aim 4 : Determine the location, arrangement, and function of the antigen. Mutations of the gene will be transferred to B. henselae by conjugation with E. Coli.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31DA005866-03
Application #
6175131
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Babecki, Beth
Project Start
2000-06-01
Project End
Budget Start
2000-06-01
Budget End
2001-05-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$21,381
Indirect Cost
Name
University of South Florida
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Tampa
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33612