Date of Award:

5-1-1998

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Biology

Committee Chair(s)

Joseph K.-K. Li

Committee

Joseph K.-K. Li

Committee

Bill Barnett

Committee

Jon Takemoto

Abstract

The S1 gene of bluetongue virus that encodes major inner core protein, VP7, was cloned and expressed in the Thiofusion Expression Vector System. The VP7-thioredoxin protein was then partially purified. The nonstructural protein NS2 having previously been cloned into the GST Gene Fusion Vector System was also expressed and purified as NS2-GST fusion protein. These two viral proteins were used together in an immunologic detection assay. This assay was able to distinguish between bluetongue virus infected, vaccinated and noninfected sheep. Assayed serum samples of infected sheep, cattle, bison, and goats showed detectable antibodies to both VP7 and NS2, whereas vaccinated animals only exhibited antibodies against VP7. Noninfected animals did not display antibody detection against either viral protein. Serum samples were obtained from 205 bison located in central Utah. These samples were tested for bluetongue infection using dot blot analysis and ELISA. These data confirmed agar gel immunodiffusion assay results determined by the Ross A. Smart Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Utah State University. Other serum samples (24 bovine, 18 caprine and 23 ovine) were obtained from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California. These samples were tested using dot blot analysis. These tests show that the recombinant VP7 and NS2 can be used effectively in an immunological assay to detect BTV infection as well as being able to determine whether animals have been vaccinated.

Download

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .