The isolation, detection, and cross-reactivity of Asian elephant IgG for the development of serological diagnostic tests

S A. Kania
L K. Richman
Melissa A. Kennedy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
R J. Montali
Leon N.D. Potgieter, University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Abstract

Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus) IgG was isolated and purified using a recombinant protein A and proteins G affinity matrix and DEAE cibacron blue chromatography. Rabbits were inoculated with elephant IgG to produce anti-Asian elephant IgG. Using an ELISA, it was determined that the anti-Asian elephant sera has strong reactivity with Asian elephant IgG and African elephant ( Loxodonta africana ) IgG, moderate reactivity with manatee ( Trichechus manatus latirostris) IgG and weaker reactivity with IgG from hyrax ( Procavia capensis) and black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis). Commercially available antisera produced against cattle, deer, and rabbit IgG react weakly with Asian elephant IgG.