Leishmanial excreted factors (EFs): purification by affinity chromatography

Leishmania species grown in culture excrete a polyanionic, carbohydrate-rich factor (EF) which binds to antibodies produced in rabbits against the parent Leishmania species. EF, previously purified by physical and chemical methods, was purified by affinity chromatography on a Ricinus lectin column. The purified samples were characterised and analysed. The results show a notable proportion of galactose in EF and clarify the reasons for its polyanionic properties. Heterogenicity of EF is demonstrated and discussed.