Antigenic and immunogenic studies on cell culture-derived Babesia canis

Babesia canis antigens derived from cell culture reacted specifically with immune serum from dogs convalescing from babesiosis. The antigens were heterogenous as compared to antigens elaborated in vivo. The major antigenic moiety from cell culture eluted in the first peak of Sephadex G-200 is indicative of a molecular weight around 900 000. In contrast, in vivo-derived antigen coeluted with albumin and hemoglobin suggesting a molecular weight of 67 000. The major antigenic mass is proteinacious and contains disulfide bonds as indicated by thermolability and sensitivity to 2-mercaptoethanol. Both particulate and soluble B. canis antigens were immunogenic, particularly when emulsified in Saponin as an adjuvant. Such antigens conferred a considerable degree of protection in susceptible dogs and it suggested that immunoprophylaxis to B. canis may be feasible.