Short term cultivation of Babesia species

A method based on the candle jar technique was used for the cultivation of Babesia bovis, B bigemina and B rodhaini in vitro. All three parasites multiplied within their host red blood cells and were well maintained for up to 96 h in culture. Regular changes of medium and subculture at 24 h were essential for optimal parasite survival. A 40 per cent suspension of red blood cells was found to give better results than the 10 to 12 per cent suggested by Jensen and Trager for the cultivation of Plasmodium falciparum.