PTPRC and infection: Analysis of total splenic CD45+ leukocytes during early infection by flow cytometry (shown for a representative mouse in Figure 3C) indicated the most significant increase in the F4/80 positive macrophages in B. microti-infected (p < 0.05, df = 8, F = 1.91) and co-infected (p < 0.01, df = 8, F = 1.72) mice compared to naïve mice, which suggests the role of macrophages is important in clearance of B. microti at the acute phase of infection.