Western blot analysis for detecting midgut antigens crossreactivity of ixodid ticks in small ruminants

Midgut antigens of the small ruminant ticks of India were probed with homologous and heterologous antisera to determine common reactive sites. Midgut membrane proteins of Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Hyalomma marginatum isaaci and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides antigens were resolved electrophoretically. The electro transfers of proteins from the gel were performed and the immunodominant bands were identified based on their corresponding location with the standard molecular weight marker. Immunodominant proteins in the range of 43–29 kDa were common for all the three antigens probed by homologous and heterologous sera. This range of proteins was recognized strongly by all the three tick antigens.