Surface reaction of Leishmania. IV. Variation in the surface membrane carbohydrates of different strains of Leishmania major.

Eleven strains of Leishmania major were characterized by enzyme electrophoresis, excreted factor serotyping and lectin specificity determination. Nine of the 12 enzyme mobilities were identical for all the strains. Variation was seen in 6PGD, NH and AK. Seven serological entities were recognized, including a non-EF producing strain. A panel of six lectins and sugar inhibitors was used to determine surface membrane carbohydrate configurations, which displayed considerable variation.