Application of Percoll density gradient centrifugation for separation of Babesia ovata - infected erythrocytes

In this study, potential of the Percoll density gradient centrifugation method for separation of bovine red bold cells (RBCs) infected with each merozoite type of Babesia ovata was examined. By the Percoll density gradient centrifugation, bovine RBCs infected with active forms of B. ovata merozoites were essentially collected from one of the layers. Moreover, this method made it possible to eliminate its crisis forms, a morphologically abnormal intraerythrocytic form, effectively. Moreover, no adverse effect on viability of B. ovata merozoites was found. Our results suggest that this method will be applicable to sample preparation for biological analyses which require active forms of B. ovata merozoites.