REACTIVITY OF SERUM ANTIERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANE ANTIBODY IN BABESIA-GIBSONI-INFECTED DOGS

Reactivity of anti-erythrocyte membrane (RBCm) antibody in sera of B. gibsoni-infected dogs on native RBCm and erythrocyte surface (RBCs) wa s examined using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-RBCm antib ody attached to native RBCm and the surface of erythrocytes (RBC) trea ted with phenylhydrazine or neuraminidase, but not to the surface of n on-treated RBC. Based on these results, anti-cytoskeletal protein anti body in sera of B. gibsoni-infected dogs is considered to attach to na tive RBCm, and furthermore free radical-induced oxidative stress impos ed on RBC and sialic acid removal from glycoproteins of RBC are consid ered necessary for anti-transmembrane protein antibody in sera of B. g ibsoni-infected dogs to be bound to RBCs. These are important to eluci dating the mechanism of the marked increase in RBCs-bound IgG value an d anemia in B. gibsoni infection.