Open AccessAntigenic Diversity of GranulocyticEhrlichiaIsolates from Humans in Wisconsin and New York and a Horse in California
Author(s) -
Kristin M. Asanovich,
Johan Bakken,
John E. Madigan,
Maria E. AgueroRosenfeld,
Gary P. Wormser,
J. Stephen Dumler
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
the journal of infectious diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.69
H-Index - 252
eISSN - 1537-6613
pISSN - 0022-1899
DOI - 10.1086/516529
Subject(s) - ehrlichia , biology , antigen , ehrlichiosis , antiserum , virology , heterologous , microbiology and biotechnology , antigenic variation , horse , gene , genetics , tick , paleontology
The agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), Ehrlichia phagocytophila, and Ehrlichia equi are very similar. HGE is of variable severity. Genetic and antigenic differences among 3 human isolates (Webster, Spooner, and NY-8) and 1 horse isolate (MRK) were evaluated. The 16S rRNA gene sequences were identical in all human isolates. By use of 5 homologous antisera from these 3 humans and 1 horse and an additional 5 antisera in heterologous reactions, the immunodominant antigens of each isolate were noted to differ in molecular size: 43 kDa in the Webster (Wisconsin) isolate, 46 kDa in the Spooner (Wisconsin) isolate, 42 and 45 kDa in the NY-8 (New York State) isolate, and a 42 kDa doublet in the E. equi MRK isolate from California. Two sera from a Wisconsin patient reacted weakly or not at all with the NY-8 isolate. Antigenic structural diversity exists among otherwise indistinguishable granulocytic ehrlichial isolates.
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