Effects of immunization of rabbits on establishment, survival, and reproductive biology of the tick Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum

Abstract

Four antigenic preparations, viz. salivary gland antigen (SG Ag), whole tick extract antigen (WTE Ag) and 30,000-g supernatant fraction, and pellet of WTE Ag (TES Ag and TEP Ag, respectively), were made from partially fed adult female Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum. Four groups of 5 rabbits each were immunized with the antigens, and a fifth group was kept as control. Following challenge with adult H. a. anatolicum, a significant decrease in engorgement weight and egg mass weight and an increase in engorgement period and preoviposition period were observed in WTE Ag-immunized rabbits. Similar results were observed with TES Ag and SG Ag, except that change in the engorgement period was insignificant. However, none of the tick parameter measurements showed significant changes with TEP Ag. None of the antigens produced significant changes in the percentage of engorgement or oviposition period of the challenged ticks. Thus, WTE Ag was the most effective in altering tick performances.