Repetitive detection by immunoblotting of an integumental 25-kDa antigen inIxodes ricinus and a corresponding 20-kDa antigen inRhipicephalus appendiculatus with sera of pluriinfested mice and rabbits

Mice were pluriinfested with nymphs and rabbits, with adultIxodes ricinus. 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 fedI. ricinus females and in tick integumental extract. It was also found in engorged nymphs but was absent from larvae. Sera ofI. ricinus-infested rabbits and mice or of rabbits infested withRhipicephalus appendiculatus adults reacted with a 20-kDa antigen in total extracts of partially fedR. appendiculatus females and the integument of this species.