Specific binding of neoglycoproteins to Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites

Abstract

Several studies have shown that protozoa bind to glycoproteins or neoglycoproteins. Here we report that Toxoplasma gondii binds strongly to bovine serum albumin-glucosamide. The binding was rapid, time dependent, partially reversible, saturable, and specific. Scatchard analysis showed about 40,000 molecules of bovine serum albumin-glucosamide per toxoplasma cell. The apparent dissociation constant was found to be 4.46 x 10(-8) M.