ELISA-Based Development of Functional Antibodies for the Efficient Detection of Mycotoxigenic Fusarium (F. oxysporum and F. circinatum) and Diplodia (D. pinea) Species

Fusarium contains the most toxigenic and important fungal pathogens, producing a wide range of mycotoxins that include the more toxic secondary metabolites called fumonisins. This study analyzed the presence of common exo- and mycelium-soluble antigens, purified proteins using reducing SDS-PAGE and the expression of antibodies against different fungal pathogens. The results showed the presence of common antigens between pathogens and development of antibodies against antigens from F. circinatum, F. oxysporum and D. pinea. A strong reactivity against the antigens ranged between 0.510 to 0.868 in F. circinatum and F. oxysporum isolates. The reactivity of anti-D. pinea antibodies was relatively low, with the highest absorbance value of 0.650, accompanied by a minimal cross reactivity. Overall, these findings indicated that, antibodies against mycelium-soluble antigens were the most immuno-reactive and could be helpful for the development of a rapid Fusarium detection tool for use in various industries.