Antigenic analysis of four species of the genus Ehrlichia by use of protein immunoblot.
The antigenic profile of Ehrlichia canis, E risticii, E sennetsu, and E equi was investigated by the use of protein (western) immunoblot technique. Results of analysis of serum from acutely and chronically infected animals indicated that the 4 Ehrlichia species share a unique 25-kD polypeptide in addition to other peptides. Immune sera from dogs inoculated with E canis recognized a wide range of E canis polypeptide antigens, as determined by western blot analysis. A larger number of E sennetsu polypeptides were detected when homologous antiserum and antiserum to E equi were used. The latter antiserum did not recognize antigens of E canis or E risticii. Antisera to E canis, E risticii, and E sennetsu detected E equi antigens. Data indicate that a 25-kD protein is a common antigen among the species of the genus Ehrlichia and that the ascending order of abundance of immunodominant determinants in the 4 species of Ehrlichia studied would be: E risticii----E equi----E sennetsu----E canis. Implications of these findings for diagnosis of ehrlichial infections and prophylaxis are evident.
Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya Karen-Nairobi.
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M
Nyindo
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Kakoma
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R
Hansen
D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004285:Dogs; D004536:Ehrlichia / Q000276:immunology*; D006736:Horses; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000276:immunology
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D007106:Immune Sera