ELECTROPHORETIC AND IMMUNOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PROTEINS OF MEROZOITES OF EIMERIA-ACERVULINA, E-MAXIMA, E-NECATRIX, AND E-TENELLA

Merozoites of Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria necatrix, and Eimeria tenella were compared by gel electrophoresis, western-blotting with chicken antiserum, indirect fluorescent antibody reactions, and antiserum neutralization. Merozoites from the 4 species had dissimilar patterns of proteins and antigens in soluble and membrane fractions. Coomassie blue staining of SDS-PAGE gels revealed 16-22 protein bands depending on the species of merozoite but only 3 bands per species in the membrane fractions. Homologous and heterologous antisera recognized 5-12 soluble fraction bands and 3-7 membrane fraction bands on immunoperoxidase-stained western blots, depending on the species. When antisera from infected chickens were used in an indirect fluorescent antibody reaction, the merozoites of E. tenella and E. necatrix had a strong reaction with homologous and heterologous antisera. Merozoites of E. acervulina and E. maxima reacted with homologous antisera but had a weak or no reaction with heterologous antisera. Chicken antiserum against E. tenella had no effect on the viability of E. tenella merozoites when they were inoculated into chicken embryos.