BABESIAL ANTIGENS

摘要

A process of detection of a plurality of closely linked gene copies which may encode a protective antigen against babesiosis including the steps of (i) preparation of babesial genomic DNA; (ii) construction of a babesial genomic DNA library; (iii) screening of the genomic DNA library with an oligonucleotide probe based on partial sequencing of the protective antigen; (iv) identifying positive clones; (v) analysing the DNA obtained from positive clones to ascertain the presence of a plurality of gene copies corresponding to the protective antigen; and (vi) analysing the gene copies detected in step (v) to ascertain whether the gene copies are the same or different. There is also provided babesial genomic clones including two or more gene copies which encode protective antigen(s) against babesiosis and in particular wherein the protective antigen is 21B4 rhoptry antigen. There is also provided DNA sequences and antigens derived from the babesial genomic clones as well as vaccines containing the antigens.