Premium
Analysis of antigen‐antibody cross‐reactivity among lineages and sublineages of Babesia microti parasites using human babesiosis specimens
Author(s) -
Sayama Yusuke,
ZamotoNiikura Aya,
Matsumoto Chieko,
Saijo Masayuki,
Ishihara Chiaki,
Matsubayashi Keiji,
Nagai Tadashi,
Satake Masahiro
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.14558
Subject(s) - virology , antibody , biology , antigen , titer , immunofluorescence , babesiosis , cross reactivity , babesia , lineage (genetic) , immunology , gene , genetics , cross reactions
BACKGROUND Human babesiosis is caused mainly by Babesia microti and has recently become a public health concern due to an increase in transfusion‐transmitted infection. Thus, the development of an antibody detection method with high specificity and sensitivity is a priority. Seroreactivity against B. microti has been reported to be highly specific not only to B. microti lineages but also to sublineages. This study aimed to elucidate the human antibody reactivity against various lineages, including US, Kobe, and Hobetsu, and sublineages (North America and East Asia) in the US lineage. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty samples obtained from individuals infected with B. microti in the United States were tested for the presence of anti‐ B. microti antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Western blotting (WB) to indicate antigens of each (sub‐)lineage. RESULTS By IFA, 20 samples showed reactivity to the North America sublineage (titer range, 64‐4096), 16 to the East Asia sublineage (64‐512), 10 to the Kobe (64‐128), and five to the Hobetsu (64). Antibody titers to the East Asia sublineage, Kobe, and Hobetsu were significantly lower than those to the North America sublineage (p < 0.01). By WB, in parallel with the IFA results, 18 samples showed strong reactions to the North America sublineage, weak reactions to the East Asia sublineage, and near‐zero reactions to the Kobe and Hobetsu. CONCLUSION Human antibodies induced by B. microti infection are highly specific against B. microti lineages and sublineages with low cross‐reactivity. Developing a precise antibody detection method may require specific antigens based on B. microti lineages and sublineages.