[Immunobiological and antigenic studies of Babesia ovis strains in Bulgaria]

A comparative study was carried out on the immunologic and antigenic properties of 8 strains of Babesia ovis isolated in 5 districts of the country. The immunologic capacity was tested through challenging with each of the strains in group of 4 weaned lambs that were preliminary vaccinated with one of the strains - Veliko Turnovo. Two nonvaccinated animals were included in each group, serving as controls. The strength of immunity was checked by both the temperature and the parasitic reaction as well as through the hematocrit and hemoglobin levels of the challenged lambs. With the exception of one spleen - ectomized animal in each group the vaccinated weaned lambs showed solid immunity against both the homogeneous and heterologic strains. The same result was confirmed also with an analogous biologic experiment with a total of 19870 sheep in 28 enzootic foci in the same 5 districts and in 2 other districts of the country. Cross serologic investigations by means of the complement - fixation test, the agar gel precipitation reaction and IRPA with homologous and heterologous antisera revealed identic or close antigenic properties in the tested strains. In is concluded that the Veliko Turnovo strain can be used to prepare a vaccine for the immunoprophylaxis of babesiasis in sheep in the investigated districts. In is also stated that the serologic reactions, and, more specifically, IRPA can be employed in the antigenic study and differentiation of individual Babesia ovis strains.