Repetitive detection by immunoblotting of an integumental 25-kDa antigen in <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> and a corresponding 20-kDa antigen in <i>Rhipicephalus appendiculatus</i> with sera of pluriinfested mice and rabbits

Mice were pluriinfested with nymphs and rabbits, with adult <i>Ixodes ricinus</i>. As determined by immunoblotting, >50% of sera from these animals reacted against a tick antigen with a molecular weight of 25 kDa, which was detected in total extracts of partially fed <i>I. ricinus</i> females and in tick integumental extract. It was also found in engorged nymphs but was absent from larvae. Sera of <i>I. ricinus</i>-infested rabbits and mice or of rabbits infested with <i>Rhipicephalus appendiculatus</i> adults reacted with a 20-kDa antigen in total extracts of partially fed <i>R. appendiculatus</i> females and the integument of this species.