We are working on Babesia divergens cultivated in human red blod cells. Since we can not separate iRBC/RBC, it would be beneficial if we had defined stages in the cultures at least.
We have similar difficulties with B. bovis, and have yet to develop a useful method despite trying many. Three possibilities for you to try are: [1] release of merozoites by multiple high-voltage electroporation pulses, with reinvasion of new target RBCs (Franssen, FFJ et al. 2003. Microbes and Infection 5: 365-372); [2] capture of iRBCs with lectin, covering with RBCs and allowing them to mature and reinvade for only a brief period before removal of the newly-infected cells (Ranford-Cartwright, LC et al. 2010. Mal. J. 9: 170); and [3] the converse approach to that of Ranford-Cartwright (Inselburg, J. 1983. J. Parasitol. 69: 584-591). Which would be most appropriate would depend upon your experimental needs and whether you can get one or more to work for you. Hope this helps.
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