Using Recombinant Chlamydia Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) in ELISA Diagnostic Kit

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the main causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) such as prostatitis and epididymitis in men and cervicitis, endometriosis, vaginitis and ureogenital tract infections in women. Serological tests with sensitivities related to specific antigens are commonly used as routine laboratory tests for diagnosis of Chlamydia. In this research the Chlamydia Major Outer Membrane Protein gene was coloned in order to prepare a specific recombinant protein for use in the ELISA diagnostic kit. DNA was extracted from cultured C. tachomatis. PCR reaction was carried out and the resulting PCR product was cloned into the pGemex-1 expression vector and induced by IPTG (Isopropyl b-D-Thiogalactopyrano side). Recombinant protein was confirmed by gel diffusion, dot blot and western blot, using patient's serum. The use of recombinant protein for diagnosis of Chlamydia by ELISA is therefore recommended.