Molecular characterization of Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus from Iran by sequences of cytochrome c oxidase sub-unit I [COI] and the second internal transcribed spacer [ITS2

Traditionally, morphological features of Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus from closely-related ticks have been considered for their identification and differentiation. However, it is difficult and requires expertise in order to accurately identify and differentiate engorged female ticks and some developmental stages such as larva and nymph from other similar ticks. Hence, molecular markers may be a suitable alternative. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI] gene and the second internal transcribed spacer [ITS2] fragments of Rh. [Bo.] annulatus were sequenced to assess the use of molecular techniques for identifications and phylogenetic studies of these ticks. Polymerase chain reaction [PCR] technique was performed based on the analyses of COI and ITS2 sequences of ticks collected from two different regions in Iran [Golestan and Mazandaran]. The length of COI and ITS2 sequences were 1539 and 1158bp, respectively. The nucleotide similarity of COI gene was 91.3% between the ticks examined from the two different regions. The deduced amino acid sequences from COI showed 98.6% similarity between the ticks studied and showed 98.2 and 99.6% similarity with the only complete sequence of Rh. [Bo.] annulatus [AGH19677] registered in GenBank. The obtained complete nucleotide sequences of ITS2 from Rh. [Bo.] annulatus from Golestan and Mazandaran revealed 99.9% similarity, while the other ticks registered in GenBank 95 to 99% similarity [KC503267, AF271270, AF271272, JQ412126]. It seems that COI and ITS2 sequences could provide suitable genetic markers for discrimination and genetic characterization of Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus

[Analysis of humoral immunity in broilers challenged with Eimeria prior to and following anticoccidial vaccination, by means of ELISA]

Background: Despite the use of prophylactic chemotherapy and vaccination, coccidiosis is still one of the most devastating diseases in poultry industry. Understanding the immune mechanism helps researchers to prevent this parasitic infection more effectively

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibody response in chickens, induced by a live attenuated vaccine [Livacox Q], before and after challenge, by means of ELISA

Methods: One hundred and twenty one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups of 30 birds. In 4th day of age, half the birds were orally vaccinated. The challenged groups received the infective dose at 14th day of age via oral administration. Besides recording weight gain, lesion score and oocyst count in 21[st] day old birds, humoral immunity was assessed by means of ELISA on serum samples taken from 7 and 21day-old birds

Results: Three days post vaccination, the average of optical density [OD] showed significant difference between vaccinated [0.553] and unvaccinated [0.686] birds [p

Conclusions:The results indicated that ELISA can be used for evaluating immunity uniformity of a flock after vaccination. Besides inducing antibody responses comparable to challenge with wild oocysts, vaccination with live attenuated coccidiosis vaccines may have inhibitory effects in intestinal lesion scores which are responsible for pathogenesis and economic loss during coccidial infections

Study of cathepsins involved in haemoglobin and vitellin digestion in Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus larvae by one- and two dimensional zymography

Enzymatic digestion of proteins in ticks is a complex process and the study of functional proteomics of these enzymes can help to select them as possible vaccine candidates. Blood protein changes [e.g. haemoglobin to vitellin] occur in female mature ticks. Vitellin digestion, as an amino acid and energy source, is one of the vital and important processes in development and evolution of tick eggs and larval stage of unengorged ticks. Several studies reveal a network of proteolytic enzymes involved in haemoglobin and vitellin digestion. These enzymes are mostly cysteine and aspartic peptidases. The aim of this study was the detection of the cathepsins in Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus larvae extract. In the current research, cysteine proteases extracted from Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus larvae were studied by one- and two-dimensional zymography. Findings from one dimensional zymography showed a transparent band with 28 KDa. In two-dimensional zymography transparent area are seen in the dark gel background distributed in 21 to 65 KDa zones related to cathepsins. When DTTwas added to incubation buffer [10 mM acetate buffer, pH= 4], the proteolytic activity of some enzymes was increased and appeared as more clear transparent bands in one-dimentional zymography compared with samples incubated in buffer without DTT. As the pH of incubation buffer was acidic and adding DTT resulted in increased activity of the enzymes, therefore, some of these proteolytic enzymes are assumed to be cysteine proteases

Evaluating the resistance of eimeria Spp. field isolates to anticoccidial drugs using three different indices

In this study, the presence of resistance to diclazuril, amprolium+ethopabate and salinomycin, representing some of the commonest anticoccidials in Iran's poultry industry, against three mixed Eimeria field isolates were investigated. Three Eimeria field isolates, collected from typical broiler farms in Iran, were propagated once, inoculated to 480 broilers, comprising 30 chicks in each treatment. The non-medicated or medicated diets containing one of the above mentioned anticoccidials were provided ad-lib. Drug efficacy was determined using the Global index [GI], Anticoccidial Sensitivity Test [AST] and Optimum Anticoccidial Activity [OAA]. None of the field isolates were fully sensitive to the selected anticoccidials. All isolates showed reduced sensitivity/partial resistance to salinomycin. Resistance to amprolium+ethopabate was evident and partial to complete resistance was recorded for diclazuril. Limited efficacy of the selected anticoccidials is obvious. Considering the cost of continuous use of anticoccidials in the field, altering the prevention strategy and rotation of the anticoccidials with better efficacy, would prevent further economic losses induced by coccidiosis.

Identification of tropomyosin and its immunological properties from larvae of cattle tick, boophilus annulatus

Boophilus annulatus is an obligate blood feeder tick that can cause great losses in animals due to anemia and its ability to injure its host skin directly. The aim of this study was identification of cattle humoral immune response to some tick proteins during experimental infestation. Immune sera against tick were collected from experimentally infested cattle with ticks. One and two-dimensional electrophoresis and Western blotting methods were used for the detection of immunogenic proteins in larval tick extract and eight of these proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometry. In non-reducing one-dimensional SDS-PAGE, some bounds between 12 to more than 250-kDa appeared. In two-dimensional SDS-PAGE, numerous spot appeared and the identified immunogenic proteins by parallel immunoblotting weighted between 14 and 97 kDa. Amino acid sequences of protein spot with 37-kDa molecular weight had identity to tropomyosin based on Mascot search in NCBI. Anti tropomyosin antibodies can be induced in experimentally infested hosts with ticks and it seems that tropomyosin can be useful for the development of anti tick vaccines.

[Effect of climatic factors on canine Lime borreliosis in Iranian Caspian sea littoral provinces]

Lyme borreliosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. There are no reports on this subject in dogs from Iran. Determining the serologic prevalence level of produced antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex in three Caspian littoral provinces of Iran and studying the effect of climatic risk factors on it are the first aims of this study. During the period from July to September 2009 a seroepidemiological study was conducted on 273 dogs in three Caspian provinces of Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan, Iran's known habitats of tick [Ixodes ricinus]. In order to study the correlation between infection distribution and climatic factors by geographic information system [GIS], geographic position of seronegative and seropositive dogs was overlaid on climatic maps of Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. Multivariate regression model and correlation matrix analyses were used for statistical analysis. From 273 serum samples in the whole studied area, 22 [8.1%] showed antibodies against B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato in provinces of Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan were 0.0% [0.91], 2.2% [2.91] and 22% [20.91], respectively. Mean annual temperature had positive and significant correlation with B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex seroprevalence in sampled dogs of the three north provinces [p<0.05]. Regarding the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in dogs of three Caspian provinces of Iran, more attention must be paid to this disease, especially in Golestan province. This is the first study on the role of climatic factors in canine Lyme borreliosis in Iran

Analysis of immunogenic relevant proteins in rhipicephalus [boophilus] annulatus tick

Considering the importance of ticks as a main group transmitting pathogen organisms, this study designed to recognize immunogenic proteins in different tissues of Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus tick and to find out if there are common proteins in these tissues. Seven cattle were experimentally infested with about 10000 R. annulatus larvae and their humoral immune response to extracts of salivary gland and ovary of adult ticks and larval extracts during infestation were determined by ELISA and Western blot analysis. Measurements of serum antibodies level recorded weekly, from week 0 to week 9. Using Western blot analysis, 15 fractions from soluble antigens extracted from salivary gland and larvae, and 14 fractions in the larval extracts were recognized. These findings illustrate the recognition of common antigens with molecular weight of 170, 117, 100, 70, 37, 33 and 30 kDa from different antigens by resistant cattle sera. Common antigens are present in different tissues of Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] annulatus, which can be used as a target in immunization against ticks

[Comparison between anticoccidial effect of granulated Artemisia siberi extract and pure Artemisinin in affected broilers]

Increasing resistance against conventional anticoccidial drugs and the consequence of their residues has paid the attention toward more effective and safe compounds. Artemisia plant is a potential candidate that its anticoccidial effect has been previously discussed. This study aimed to produce a granule from the extract of Artemisia siberi and evaluate its anticcocidial effects compared to pure Atremisinin. Artemisinin was extracted from Artemisia by petroleum ether and then formulated into a wet granule. Experimental coccidiosis was induced in chicks [n=75] by oral administration of 250000 oocysts/chick. Chicks were divided into 5 groups of three replicates each [n=15] and one uninfected group [n=15]. The infected chicks were treated by oral administration [lmg/kg] of pure artemisinin and granule formulation with three different doses [1, 2.5 and 5mg/kg artemisinin] as feed additive. The treatment was conducted for 5 successive days towever. The fifth infected group and uninfected group did not receive any medication. At the end of treatment, fecal samples of each group were collected for 5 days and the OPG [oocyst per gram] was determined as anticoccidial index. The granule formulation of Artemisia and pure artemisinin significantly [p<0.001] decreased the OPG values in treated groups [30% in treated groups Vs8% in control]. However, there wasn't significant difference between granule formulation and pure artemisinin on OPG reduction [30.39% and 30.35%, respectively]. This study showed that the Artemisia siberi granulated extract can be considered as a new effective and safe anticoccidial drug

First detection of nosema ceranae, a microsporidian protozoa of european honeybees [apis mellifera] in Iran

Nosemosis of European honey bee [Apis mellifera] is present in bee colonies worldwide. Until recently, Nosema apis had been regarded as the causative agent of the disease, that causes heavy economic losses in apicultures. Nosema ceranae is an emerging microsporidian parasite of European honeybees, A. mellifera, but its distribution is not well known. Previously, nosemosis in honeybees in Iran was attributed axclusively to N. apis. Six Nosema positive samples [determined from light microscopy of spores] of adult worker bees from one province of Iran [Savadkouh - Mazandaran, northern Iran] were tested to determine Nosema species using previously- developed PCR primers of the 16 S rRNA gene. As it is difficult to distinguish N. ceranae and N. apis morphlogically, a PCR assay based on 16 S ribosomal RNA has been used to differentiate N. apis and N. ceranae. Only N. ceranae was found in all samples, indicating that this species present in Iran apiaries. This is the first report of N. ceranae in colonies of A. mellifera in Iran. It seems that intensive surveys are needed to determine the distribution and prevalence of N. ceranae in different regions of Iran

Biopathologic characterization of three mixed poultry eimeria spp. isolates

Coccidiosis of domestic fowl, caused by species of the Genus Eimeria, is responsible for important economic losses in poultry production. Because different species and/or strains can vary in pathogenicity and other biological parameters, their precise characterization is important for epizootiological studies. Fifty samples from litter, whole intestinal tract and feces were collected from poultry houses located in different provinces of Iran. One hundred twenty male day-old broiler chicks were challenged with three selected isolates. Data on weight gain, Food Conversion Ratio [FCR], food intake, lesion scoring and shedding of oocysts per gram of feces were recorded and analyzed by the Duncan's test. In all treatments, the challenged groups had statistically significant lower weight gain than that of unchallenged control group. Isolate three caused the lowest weight gain and food intake and the worst lesion score as well as FCR. Despite originating from close geographical regions for isolates 1 and 2, the difference in biopathologic factors may be either due to different proportion of identified species or the different pathogenicity of the species present in the isolates. The results highlight the importance of considering various species of Eimeria in designing the preventive, control and treatment strategies to prevent coccidiosis in different regions of Iran. Further characterization of each isolate would be the next step to provide a basis for coccidiosis research with well-characterized local isolates

Molecular and biomorphometrical identification of ovine babesiosis in Iran

Ovine babesiosis is the most important haemoparasitic tick-borne disease of small ruminants in Iran caused by Babesia ovis, B. motasi, and B. crassa. The aim of this study was to characterize the species of ovine Babesia species isolated from different geographical region of Iran. One hundred fifty four blood samples collected from animals, which demonstrated the pale mucous membranes or hyperthermia. The specimens were transferred to the laboratory and the blood smears stained with Geimsa, the morphological and biometrical data of parasite in any infected erythrocyte have been considered. Extracted DNA from each blood samples were used in PCR and semi nested- PCR in order to confirm the presence of the species. Microscopial observation on 154 blood smears determined 38 [24.67%] and 40 [26%] samples were infected by Babesia and Theileria respectively. The mixed infections occurred in four [2.6%] samples. The results of the PCR assays showed nine [5.85%], 81 [53%] and 18 [11.7%] were distinguished as Babesia, Theileria and mixed infection, respectively. Semi nested-PCR did not confirm the presence of B. motasi. The causative organism of many cases of haemorprotozoal diseases, which recorded in previous studies, could B. ovis or Theilera lestoquardi. The result confirmed that B.ovis was only species which causes babesiosis in the study areas. It seems that the biometrical polymorphisms could exist in B. ovis in Iran. This polymorphism could be a main problem in differentiation between B. ovis and B. motasi and it could be dissolved by specific PCR analysis

One-humped camel [camelus dromedarius] infestation with linguatula serrata in Tabriz, Iran

Linguatula serrata is one of well known members of Pentastomida which infects both human and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of L. serrata in mesenteric lymph nodes, livers and lungs of camels slaughtered in Tabriz area, Iran. Mesenteric lymph nodes [MLNs], livers and lungs of 140 one-humped camels slaughtered in Tabriz, north-west of Iran were investigated for nymphs of L. serrata from July 2007 to June 2008. The organs were examined macroscopically and then a tissue digestion method was also done for investigation of liver and lung of the camels that had infected MLN. The liver and lung samples were mostly taken from condemned and rejected part of organs. The infection rate of L. serrata nymphs in MLNs, livers and lungs was 13.5%, 1.4% and 1.4% respectively. The number of isolated nymph in infected lymph nodes varied from 2 to 18 with a mean of 4.78. Only one nymph was isolated from each infected livers and lungs. The infection rate increased with age [p<0.05]. No significant difference in different sex groups and seasons was observed [p>0.05]. Considering this fact that consumption of undercooked camel liver was not common in the studied area, the zoonotic importance of this infection should be concluded

[Identification of cryptosporidium parvumby PCR and its determination of protein pattern and immunogenic antigens]

Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite which causes diarrhea in both human and wide range of animals. Since this protozoa causes remarkable economic losses in cattke industry in Iran, the molecular determination of porotozoa and characterization of its protein pattern and immunogenic antigend are the aim of this study. In this study, diarheatic fecal samples of calves suspected for cryptosporidiosis were collected and identified. Purification and concentration of cryptosporidial oocysts from fecal samples was performed. Oocysts were confirmed as Cryptosporidium parvum by semi-nested PCR using specific primers designed from 18srRNA gene of Cryptosporidium parvum. Acalf with negative antibodies against Cryptosporidium parvunm was infected with 5 x10[6] oocysts. 5 days after inoculation, oocysts were isolated and purified. Soluble proteins from sporozoites were prepared and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. There was an intense recognition of some10 to 100 kDa, ten low molecular weight proteins were recognized between 20-40 kDa, six separated protein bands was recognized between 40-70 kDa, immunoreactive proteins were present at different molecular weights between 17-260 kDa. Three antigens of apparent molecular weights 20-30 kDa, three antigen bands between 40-60 kDa and 2 bands 70-75 kDa were identified. Antibody responses to cryptosporidial antigens at high molecular weights were successfully diagnosed with apparent molecular weights 130, 170, 216 and 257kDa

Haematophagus mites in poultry farms of Iran

Blood sucking mites are important avian ectoparasites which being found on bird species worldwide. Their presence are problematic for the producers either through potential direct effects on weight gain, egg production, sperm production in roosters or as nuisance pests on worker handle hens and eggs. The aim of this study was pointing out of the status of haematophagus mites. Eight caged layer and four breeder flocks were visited, monitoring for the presence of chicken mites performed by removing and examining debris from poultry house, infested nesting material collected into zip lock plastic bags and at least 20 birds were also randomly selected to examine the presence of chicken mites. Mites obtained from each population were mounted in Hoyer's medium on microscope slides and identified. All eight caged layer and four breeder flocks were inspected, which were infested with chicken blood feeding mites. Massive infestations of Dermanyssus gallinae were common with huge numbers of parasites on birds' cages and the conveyor belts for egg. Only one farm from Mazandaran Province was infested to Ornithonyssus burs. Dermanyssus gallinae was the most prevalent blood feeder mite in the breeder and caged layer flocks in Iran, while O. bursa was reported as a first record, which found only in breeder flock in Mazanderan Province. It seems that its presence is limited into the area which affected by both warm and humid environmental conditions

[Study of mortality agents of silk worms in Dough Abad]

For investigation of causes of silkworm mortality, the sick larva specimens in different levels of growth examined for parasite, viral, fungal and bacterial diseases. The samples included some dead larva and bed materials contained eggs, leaves and stool which were examined ordinary diagnostic methods. The complementary tests were also used for all cases. In wet smear prepared from intestine wall, a kind of protozoa spore of Microsporidia phylum was observed that was not the agent of pebrin disease, and some budding cells [yeasts] were seen as well, which identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. There were many polyhedra forms in smears of hemolynph that were stained with methylen blue dying and seen with ordinary microscope, diagnosed as Polyhedrosis or Grasserie disease [NPV]. for the purpose of diagnostic reconfirmation, the polyhedra was injected to healthy larva. The bacterial agent including Streptococcus [delta] Hemolytica as digestive tracts disease agent, staphylococcus aureus, and Serratia marcescen as septicemia agents and Bacillus turingensis the agent of Sotto disease, were separated. In general the incidence of these diseases showed the unsuitable conditions in sericultures that can be depends on poor disinfection, lack of proper feeding and deficiency of temperature and humidity. Improvement in rearing techniques, using of appropriate rearing room and equipments, maintenance of hygienic conditions during rearing, improvement of disinfection methods, the quarantine of the silkworm seeds and using of resistant varieties of silkworm to diseases can decrease out-breaks

[ study of rhipicephalus species in Iran]

This study was conducted during 3 years period [2002-2004]. Tick sampling was carried out randomly from domestic animals during seasonal activity of ticks from different parts of Iran. 2170 ticks from 151 cattle, 629 sheep, 336 goats and 33 camels were collected. The occurance of tick infestation in cattle, sheep, goats and camels was 60%, 71.4%, 53% and 46% respectively. Sampled ticks of Rhipicephalus species have been identified as; Rhipiephalus sanguineus [37.9%] Rhipiephalus bursa [49.8%] and Rhipicephalus turanicus [12.23%]. All three species adopted in ecological zone II but Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the main tick species found in four zones of Iran. The comprative tick yield obtained from animals showed that Rhipicephalus bursa was the most aboundant in zone II but Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the rarest species in zone IV. The results described here suggest that livestock had almost different pattern of tick species in any localities of Iran

Identification of tick species of dermacentor in some localities of Iran

This study conducted during 3 years period [2002-2004]. Tick sampling was randomly carried out from domestic animals during seasonal activity of ticks from six provinces of Iran. 2170 ticks from 151 cattle, 629 sheep, 336 goats and 32 camels were collected proin 30 prosseces with a mean number of 1.9 tick per animal. 209 Dermacentor ticks collected from six provinces [Kordestan, Ardebil, East Azarbaiejan, Zanjan, Khorasan and Semnan] that included 23% of collected tick population in those provinces. The diversity of Dermacentor is restricted to three species; D.niveus [50%], D.marginatus [27%] and D.raskemensis [23%]. The maximum occurance of D.raskemensis, D.niveus, D. marginatus, were occurred in provinces of Semnan, Khorasan and Kordestan, respectively. It can be concluded that livestock had almost different pattern of tick species in any localities thus distribution of D.raskemensis ,D.niveus, D. marginatus, has been confirmed this matter

Occurrence of soft and hard ticks on ruminants in Zagros mountainous areas of Iran

The distribution and preferences of ticks of animals in central of Iran were studied four times a year. One thousand seven tick specimens were collected from different localities including Isfahan, Chaharmahalbahtiary, EastAzarbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Kordestan, Kermanshah, Lorestan and Fars. Most of sampled animals in this area were infested. We also encountered with a wild goat [Capra hircus aegagrus] in Kolah Qazi national park in this part that was infested intensively by Boophilus kohlsi. Fifteen ixodid tick species were identified over the study period from cattle, sheep and domestic and wild goats namely B. kohlsi [3.6%] Rhipicephalus sanguineus [4.5%], Rh.bursa [21.9%], Rh.turanicus [2.9%], Dermacentor niveus [12.9%], D.raskemensis [4.1%], D.marginatus [7.3%], Haemaphysalis punctata [3.5%], H. Parva [0.6%], H. Choldokovskyi [2%], Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum [4.8%], H.anatolicum anatolicum [5.2%], H. asiaticum asiaticum [7.3%], H. marginatum marginatum [13%], and H. detritum detritum [5.9%]. The only soft tick found was Ornithodoros canestrinii which occurred in all localities of Isfahan Province but with significant differences in abundance. Clear pattern of seasonality was evident for this species and it was generally present from November to March, while ixodid ticks were present throughout the year. The largest numbers of adult ixodid ticks were generally present from April to August. The results showed that Rh.bursa, D.niveus and H.marginatum marginatum are dominant tick species

first report of Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] kohlsi [Hoogstraal and Kaiser 1960] from wild goats [Capra hircus aegagrus] in Iran

Studies concerning ticks were of interest to evaluate the distribution and composition of species affecting livestock, thus it was a main step in our knowledge of the pathogens that they may transmit by tick. A collection of 21 adult female and 15 male hard ticks, all is representing a single species of tick collected under the tail of wild goat. The specimens preserved in 70% alcohol in glass vial and brought to laboratory for identification. In order to distinguish species relationships between wild and domestic animals, tick sampling has been achieved in 7 different places located around Kolah Qazi national park in Isfahan Province. Important descriptions of ticks isolated from wild goat strongly supported that the tick species in this collection was only Rhipicephalus [Boophilus] kohlsi. It seems that this is the first report of Rh. [Boophilus] kohlsi in Iran. Wild sheep and goats live throughout Iran except in forest and other tall vegetation areas. Although, both animals has pastured occasionally in same open rangeland but we could not find any tick of Rh. [Boophilus] kohlsi in domestic animals

Preliminary study on virulence of some isolates of entomopathogenic fungi in different developmental stages of Boophilus annulatus in Iran

To evaluate the virulance of 11 isolates of native entomopathogenic fungi as biocontrol agent of Boophilus annulatus, in this study, 4 three months old calves were used for tick rearing. 7 Different developmental stages of the ticks, Boophilus annulatus were inoculated by 10 conidia/ml dilution of the fungal isolates in the presence of control groups. The mortality, egg hatchability and reproductive efficiency were determined in different treatments and control groups and the results were analized statisticaly. Metarhizium anisopliae strains DEMI001 and IRAN437C, Beauveria bassiana strain IRAN403C, and Lecanicillium psalliotae strain IRAN468C were the most virulent strains in comparison with their relative strains and caused 80 -100%, 20 - 80%, 0 - 40% and 0- 40% mortality for engorged females respectively. All 11 tested fungi reduced egg laying capability of the ticks several days before their death. The obtained data showed that the entomopathogenic fungi can affect all developmental stages of Boophilus annulatus, but their efficiency varies considerably according to the fungal species and strains. It is demonstrated for the first time the pathogenic effect of Lecanicillium psalliotae against Boophilus annulatus