Immunology and Serology of Anaplasma marginale. II. Nature of the CF Antigen.

Summary A CF antigen for Anaplasma marginale was prepared by differential centrifugation of the sonic lysate of infected bovine erythrocytes. Studies were conducted to determine the chemical and physical nature of the antigen. Qualitative biochemical tests and enzyme sensitivity studies indicated the antigen to be lipoprotein in nature. Electron microscopic observations showed that the preparation was not composed of Anaplasma bodies but of amorphous membranous material which probably constitutes the outer coating of the AB. Filtration studies were conducted and observations made on the effect of temperature on the antigen.