[The suitability of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the demonstration of babesia antibodies in hyperimmune serums with the use of ectoantigens].

From sera of highly parasitised mice and dogs with Babesia rodhaini, B. galagolata and B. canis ectoantigens were isolated by column-chromatography and tested in the ELISA for their serological properties. Hyperimmunsera against the three Babesia species were prepared in rabbits, mice and dogs. Serologic cross-reactions occurred between the investigated Babesia species although distinct titer differences could be observed between B. canis on one hand and B. rodhaini and B. galagolata on the other hand. The ELISA appears to be suitable for serological field surveys of babesiosis.