1. Western blot assay of an acute MIF-positive serum showing reactivity with the 135- and 115-kDa specific protein antigens of Rickettsia conorii and Rickettsia africae, respectively.
Western blot assay of an acute MIF-positive serum showing reactivity with the 135- and 115-kDa specific protein antigens of Rickettsia conorii and Rickettsia africae, respectively. Columns 1, 3, and 5, R. conorii antigens. Columns 2, 4, and 6, R. africae antigens. Columns 1 and 2, untreated sera. Columns 3 and 4, sera absorbed with R. conorii antigens. Columns 5 and 6, sera absorbed with R. africae antigens. MW, molecular weight marker. The interpretation is that when absorption is performed with R. africae, it results in the disappearance of homologous and heterologous antibodies, but when it is performed with R. conorii, only homologous antibodies disappeared. This indicates that antibodies are specific for R. africae. Molecular masses are indicated on the left.
Philippe Parola et al. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 2005; doi: /CMR