Common and isolate-restricted antigens of Anaplasma marginale detected with monoclonal antibodies

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Abstract
A. marginale-infected erythrocytes were examined for the presence of maturation, isolate-restricted, and isolate-common antigens by indirect immunofluorescene with monoclonal antibodies. A panel of 18 monoclonal antibodies was used; none of the antibodies reacted with A. ovis, Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense or uninfected bovine erythrocytes. Antigens common to all 6 A. marginale isolates were detected by 9 antibodies. Single isolates from Florida, Southern Idaho, Northern Texas and Virginia and 2 isolates from Washington state [USA] had 4 patterns of reactivity with a 2nd panel of 9 antibodies. Antigenically distinct stages were not detected, as sequential smears taken daily during acute infection had the same pattern of reactivity. The results demonstrate antigenic heterogeneity among isolates of A. marginale and the presence of common antigens. This information allows grouping of different isolates and, more importantly, provides a method for the indentification and isolation of common antigens for diagnostic tests.