title: In vitro cultivation of Babesia occultans.
abstract: Babesia occultans, the causative agent of a benign form of cattle babesiosis in South Africa, was continuously cultivated in microaerophilous stationary-phase culture. A modified medium, 199, supplemented with either 40% (v/v) bovine or 40% (v/v) horse serum, was used. Cultures were initiated in a humidified atmosphere containing 2% O2, 5% CO2, and 93% N2. The highest percentage of parasitized erythrocytes (PPE) reached 4.5% in horse-serum- and 2.4% in bovine-serum-supplemented medium. Parasite suspensions were cryopreserved and successfully resuscitated.
authors.affiliation: Protozoology Division, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, South Africa.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Van Niekerk
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zweygarth
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001403:Babesia / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood; D015925:Cryopreservation; D003470:Culture Media; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000469:parasitology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media