Identification of a Strain of Babesia Isolated from Korean Cattle

한우(韓牛)로부터 분리(分離)한 바베시아 원충(原蟲)의 동정(同定)

In order to identify unknown Babesia spp. which was isolated from Korean cattle, the morphology of Korean strain was compared with that of Babesia bigemina (Kochinda strain) and Babesia spp. (Miyake strain). Immunofluorescent technique was used to identify the serological character of the parasites. The results obtained were summarized as follows: 1. Korean strain was morphologically very similar to Babesia spp.(Miyake strain) which mostly showed parallel-bigeminate forms, while B. bigemina (Kochinda strain) was mostly round and oval forms. 2. By the indirect fluorescent antibody technique: a) Anti-Babesia spp. and Korean Babesia spp. sera showed a higher antibody titers with Babesia spp. (Miyake strain) antigen (1:500) than with B. bigemina (Kochinda strain) antigen (1:50). b) Anti-Babesia bigemina sera showed a lower titer with Babesia spp. antigen (1:50) than with B. bigemina antigen (1:250). 3. On the basis of morphological and serological confirmantions, a Babesia strain isolated from a Korean cattle was very similar, if not identical, to Miyake strain of Babesia spp.