Open AccessAntigenic epitope mapping of the M24 protein of Streptococcus pyogenes : implications for serodiagnosis of rheumatic fever
Author(s) -
Norton Robert E.,
Heuzenroeder Michael,
Manning Paul A.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.1996.tb00145.x
Subject(s) - rheumatic fever , streptococcus pyogenes , serology , epitope , immunology , streptococcus , biology , antigen , acute rheumatic fever , immunoassay , virology , antibody , bacteria , staphylococcus aureus , genetics
Rheumatic fever continues to be a significant problem in Australian Aboriginal communities and developing countries worldwide. Early diagnosis could facilitate the institution of penicillin prophylaxis resulting in the prevention of recurrences of rheumatic fever. An overlapping biotinylated peptide bank of 82 peptides, based on the known sequence of Streptococcus pyogenes M24 protein, was used in a standard enzyme immunoassay. A total of 82 sera were tested from both aboriginal and non‐aboriginal subjects with clinically proven rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease and matched controls. Two peptides with significant sequence homology at the C‐terminal end were found to be discriminatory between aboriginal cases and controls. It is proposed that these peptides could be the basis of a serological test for rheumatic fever.