Analysis of mixed parasite populations of Theileria sergenti using cDNA probes encoding a major piroplasm surface protein

The gene for the 32 kDa surface protein (p32) of Theileria sergenti was cloned into λgt11 and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The gene encodes a protein of 283 amino acids as deduced from its nucleotide sequence with a 22 residue N-terminal signal peptide. Using this cDNA as a probe we have isolated another two clones from a cDNA library with a CDM8 vector system derived from the same parasite stock. Comparison with three cDNA clones revealed differential polyadenylation and differences in sequences of non-coding regions. Within the coding regions, there were nucleotide transitions which affected the Pst I-restriction site, and one of the transitions was also accompanied by an amino acid substitution (Ala to Gly)