Identification of antigenic proteins of a Theileria species pathogenic for small ruminants in China recognized by antisera of infected animals.

The antigenic proteins of the piroplasm stage of Theileria species (China), the causative agent of theilerosis of small ruminants in China, were analyzed by Western blot, revealing several specific immunoreactive proteins of different predicted molecular weights. Furthermore, sera from Theileria species (China)-infected animals were probed for reactivity with the TaSP protein of T. annulata, for which a homologue has been described in Theileria species (China). Affinity chromatography demonstrated the presence of TaSP-reactive antibodies, and the majority of the sera showed reactivity with this protein both in Western blots and in ELISA. The identified parasite antigens and TaSP will be assessed for their suitability for developing diagnostic methods as well as evaluated for their capacity to stimulated host immune competent cells.