Analysis of protein compositions and surface protein epitopes of Anaplasma centrale and Anaplasma marginale

Protein composition was compared and epitopes were analyzed among the isolates of Anaplasma centrale and A. marginale by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting using bovine antisera and monoclonal antibodies, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Common and unique proteins were found among the isolates. All isolates tested had a major surface protein with an apparent molecular weight of 38 to 40 kilodalton which had slight molecular size variations between species. This protein was also a dominant immunogen to the host. At least two species-common epitopes, one of which might contain carbohydrate(s), were present on the major surface protein. One species-specific epitope was identified on the major surface protein of A. marginale isolates.