Identification and Characterization of P0 Protein as a Vaccine Candidate Against, Blood Parasite of Veterinary and Zoonotic Importance.

Abstract

The molecular identification and antigenic characterization of P0 protein in, a blood parasite of veterinary and zoonotic importance, were carried out in this study for use in developing subunit vaccines againstinfection. Recombinant protein encoding P0 (BdP0) was developed in, and its antiserum was generated in mice for further molecular characterization. Anti-rBdP0 serum had a specific interaction with the corresponding legitimateprotein, as confirmed by Western blotting and indirect fluorescent antibody tests. ELISA was used to assess the immunogenicity of BdP0 in a group of 68 bovine field samples, and significant immunological reactivity was found in 19 and 20 positive samples of rBdp0 andlysate, respectively. Thegrowth ofcultures treated with anti-rBdP0 serum was significantly inhibited (< 0.05). Furthermore, after 6 h of incubation with 2 mg/ml anti-rBdP0 serum, the ability of pre-incubated free merozoites to invade bovine erythrocytes was reduced by 59.88%. The obtained data suggest the possible use of rBdP0 as diagnostic antigen and may serve as a vaccine candidate against babesiosis caused byeither in animal or human.