Repetitive detection by immunoblotting of an integumental 25-kDa antigen in Ixodes ricinus and a corresponding 20-kDa antigen in Rhipicephalus appendiculatus with sera of pluriinfested mice and rabbits.

Mice were pluriinfested with nymphs and rabbits, with adult Ixodes ricinus. As determined by immunoblotting, greater than 50% of sera from these animals reacted against a tick antigen with a molecular weight of 25 kDa, which was detected in total extracts of partially fed I. ricinus females and in tick integumental extract. It was also found in engorged nymphs but was absent from larvae. Sera of I. ricinus-infested rabbits and mice or of rabbits infested with Rhipicephalus appendiculatus adults reacted with a 20-kDa antigen in total extracts of partially fed R. appendiculatus females and the integument of this species.