Rickettsia Elispot

Description

Rickettsiae are gram-negative, polymorphic, bacilliform bacteria. They depend on eukaryotic host cells for their survival, so they are often referred to as obligate intracellular parasites.

The two most important biological groups within the Rickettsia species are the tick-borne rickettsiosis group and the spotted fever group. Diseases occurring in the western hemisphere include Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and rickettsiosis (Rickettsia pox).

According to Prof. Sievers, especially Rickettsia helvetica can cause obscure fever, sarcoidosis and heart problems [ https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/15/1/08-0815_article ]. Depending on the region, about 10% ticks can be infected with Rickettsia helvetica.

Until now, there have been no routine laboratory tests to detect Rickettsia helvetica in humans.

Detection of Rickettsia helvetica and other Rickettsia species is available for the first time through the Rickettsia EliSpot assay.

Rickettsia EliSpot contains the following Rickettsia species, among others, in one test :

    Rickettsia helvetica
    Rickettsia conorii
    Rickettsia rickettsii

Benefits of the Rickettsia ELISPOT assay:

•  EliSpot is a single cell test that directly measures the number of activated T cells as a result of the release of their cytokines. Elispot is thus a highly specific method with high sensitivity and has long been used as the gold standard in vaccine development. This method is also used to monitor immune status after transplantation, development of immune reactions due to immunization, desensitization, chronic infections and tumors.
• EliSpot reflects current pathogen activity in chronic and acute infections caused by Rickettsia sp.
• EliSpot is very sensitive and can detect even a single T-cell reacting to Rickettsia sp.
• EliSpot is one of the most sensitive cell testing methods with a detection limit of up to 1000000.
• EliSpot is 20-200 times more sensitive than a conventional ELISA (ELISA) antibody test.
• EliSpot can be useful in monitoring therapy. It should usually become negative 4-8 weeks after the end of effective therapy.

Detailed description of the method - ELISPOT