Mitochondrial function in Babesia microti and Babesia rodhaini.

ABSTRACT

The role of mitochondria in the energy metabolism of Babesia microti and Babesia rodhaini was investigated. A variety of mitochondrial inhibitors showed greater sensitivity to B. microti than to B. rodhaini. Additionally, alpha-glycerophosphate- and succinate-cytochrome c reductase activities in the crude mitochondrial fraction from B. microti were substantially higher than those from B. rodhaini. Our results suggest that the mitochondria of these parasites possess a series of "classical" apparati for energy production and their relative functional role may be quantitatively greater in B. microti when compared with B. rodhaini.