Antigenic and genomic relatedness among Ehrlichia risticii, Ehrlichia sennetsu, and Ehrlichia canis.

Antigenic and genomic relatedness among Ehrlichia risticii, E. sennetsu, and E. canis was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting (immunoblotting) and DNA-DNA hybridization. E. risticii and E. sennetsu were serologically related, and their Western blot antigen profiles were nearly identical. Two antigens of E. sennetsu corresponding to the 28- and 51-kDa antigens of E. risticii were apparently larger than the E. risticii antigens, and the 55-kDa antigen of E. risticii appeared to be unique to this species. The 110-, 70-, and 44-kDa antigens of these two species were identical, as determined by the use of monospecific antibodies. DNA homology between these two species was high. On the other hand, E. canis was antigenically least reactive with the antisera to E. risticii and E. sennetsu. However, a dog convalescent-stage E. canis antiserum recognized antigens in the other two species which were different from those recognized by their homologous antisera. Similarly, homology between the DNA of E. canis and the DNAs of the other two species was very minimal. These results indicate that E. risticii and E. sennetsu are closely related both at the genomic and antigenic levels and that the relationship of these two species with E. canis is minimal.