Reduction in virulence of Babesia bovis due to rapid passage in splenectomized cattle.

A marked loss of virulence of Babesia bovis for normal cattle was observed during its rapid serial, blood passage in splenectomized calves. In 2 strains studied closely, responses to infection in cattle inoculated with parasites collected from the 11th passages were minimal, although the splenectomized donors were severely affected. The change was reversed by passaging in intact hosts, and in one experiment the parasites had become very virulent at passage 5. The finding has proved useful in the preparation of safe, living vaccines to control babesiosis. Selection either for immunogenic antigens, against immunosuppressive ones, or a combination of these effects may cause the decrease in virulence.