Antigenic characterization of rat louse Polyplax spinulosa

Number and relative molecular weights of proteins in whole body homogenates of the louse, Polyplax spinulosa were determined using SDS-PAGE. 13 protein components from the total of 28 bands were defined as Con A binding glycoproteins. In immunoblotting sera of lice infested laboratory rats of BN strain specifically recognized 3 major protein components with r.m.w. of 77,000, 105,000 and 230,000 Da and from 6 to 8 minor protein components with r.m.w. of 31,000-180,000 Da.