Immunological comparison of four Trypanosoma spp. (sub-genus Schizotrypanum) from bats

The antigenic differences and similarities between culture forms of Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) hedricki, Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) myoti, Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) vespertilionis and Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) dionisii, all isolated from bats, were compared using the double-diffusion technique. Antiserum to each trypanosome species was produced in rabbits by inoculating them with sonicated culture forms. Two isolates of T. hedricki were antigenically identical to each other, as were 2 isolates of T. myoti. There were several common antigens between the species. However, at least 1 antigen of each species was distinct from those of the other species.