Localization of culture-derived soluble Babesia bovis antigens in the infected erythrocyte.

Immunoprecipitates derived from crossed immunoelectrophoresis of Babesia bovis culture supernatant fluid against a polyspecific anti-B. bovis serum were used to produce monospecific rabbit antibodies to individual B. bovis antigens. These antibodies were utilized in an immunofluorescence test to identify the location of the respective antigens within the infected erythrocyte. Two antigens were found on or near the erythrocyte membrane, while a third antigen was directly associated with the parasite itself.