Gene Cloning of 30 kDa Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites Surface Antigen (SAG1)

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite and its sexual and asexual cycles, respectively take place in the intestinal epithelial cell of definitive host and tissue of intermediate hosts. Congenital toxoplasmosis is more important when the mother acquired the infection during pregnancy period for the first time. Serological tests are the only methods for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Among serological tests, ELISA has specific value and availability of parasite specific antigen increases the specificity of test. This study has designed and performed in the aim of availability to specific antigen of Toxoplasma. Methods: A pair of forward and reverse primers was designed based on published sequence of T. gondii SAG1 gene. PCR reaction was performed and PCR product was cloned in the pQE-30 expression vector. Results: The gene of 30 kDa protein of Toxoplasma tachyzoites was cloned in expression vector successfully. Recombinant plasmid was confirmed and is ready to express recombinant protein for further studies. Conclusion: In this research we cloned P30 gene of T. gondii tachyzoites surface protein successfully and is ready to express the recombinant protein.