Production and characterization of Fusarium verticillioides exoantigens

Abstract

Fusarium verticillioides Sacc. Niremberg (=F. moniliforme Sheldon) is a primary corn pathogen and the main fumonisin producer. This fungus can cause significant economical losses for the farmers, grain processors, animal producers and risk for human and animal health. Several methods for mould detection have been used, however most of these are time-consuming and require trained staff. Otherwise, immunoassays (particularly enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or ELISA) provide several advantages and potential for use in rapid quality control. In this work exoantigens from eight F. verticillioides isolates were obtained for further production of polyclonal antibodies. The electrophoretic profile of these antigens showed protein bands with molecular mass ranging from 17 to 170 kDa. The antigens from 3 isolates (97K, 113F and 162A) were selected for polyclonal antibodies production, based on protein concentration and number of bands. Antiserum against F. verticillioides 97K exoantigens, which showed the highest titre in indirect ELISA (1:12.800), has potential for the immunodetection of F. verticillioides.