Evaluation of glycoproteins purified from adult and larval camel ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii) as a candidate vaccine

In order to identify antigens that can help prevent camel tick infestations, three major glycoproteins (GLPs) about 97, 66 and 40 kDa in size were purified from adult and larval Egyptian ticks, Hyalomma (H.) dromedarii, using a single-step purification method with Con-A sepharose. The purified GLPs were evaluated as vaccines against camel tick infestation in rabbits. The rabbits received three intramuscular inoculations of GLPs (20 microg/animal) on days 0, 14, and 28. In the immunoblot analysis, Sera from the immunized rabbits recognized the native GLPs and other proteins from larval and adult H. dromedarii ticks along with those from other tick species such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus but not Ornithodoros moubata. The effects of immunity induced by these GLPs were determined by exposing rabbits to adult H. dromedarii ticks. These results demonstrated that GLP immunization led to a slightly decreased reproductive index and significantly reduced rates of egg hatchability. These results demonstrated that immunization with the purified GLPs can provide protection against infestation by H. dromedarii and some other tick species. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of immunization with GLPs against other tick species.

Detection of microorganisms in the saliva and midgut smears of different tick species [Acari: ixodoidea] in Egypt

Investigation of 1789 field-collected adult ticks in Egypt for the presence of microorganisms revealed the following: the protozoan, Babesia bigemina, B. canis; Theileria annulata, and the rickettesia Aegyptianella pullorum [Carpano] were found in the saliva and the mid-guts smears of eight ixodid and two argasid tick species. The infected percent was higher in cattle and dog ticks than it was in fowl ticks; it was also higher in salivary glands [S] than in the midguts [M]. Identification of protozoa using microscopic image analysis, showed that: Hyalomma spp. [Koch] were infected with T. annulata', the genera Boophilus [Curtice] and Rhipicephalus Koch were infected with B. bigemina, and B. canis respectively; Argas spp. [Latreille] were infected with A. pullorum. The bacterial disease agents: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Yersinia were detected in [S] and [M] of eight ixodids and one argasid tick species; Bacillus was only found in H. anatolicum excavatum, [Koch]. Escherichia coli was isolated only from A. persicus [Oken] midguts

Acaricidal efficacy of Myrrh [commiphora molmol] on the fowl tick argas persicus [acari: argasidae]

Five concentrations of purified extract of Myrrh from Commiphora molmol tree were prepared to study its effects on the fowl tick Argas persicus under laboratory conditions. The results revealed that Myrrh had dependant dose toxic effect on the adult female of A. persicus. Toxicity increased gradually daily post treatment. The LC 50 was 1.28%, 0.88%, 0.84%, 0.50% and 0.42% at 1st 2nd 3rd 6th and 12th days respectively. At 12th day, the recorded mortality rates were 63, 67, 76, 87 and 94% for concentrations. 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10%, respectively against 5% in control. Histopathological and Transmission election microscope [TEM] examinations showed the lysing of epithelial gut cells in treated groups. The lysed epithelial gut cells showed irregularly distributed nucleus, commonly at low concentrations and rarely in high concentrations of Myrrh. The lysed epithelial gut cells, without nucleus or with aggregated one beside the basal lamina. were common at high concentrations and rare in low concentrations of Myrrh. Consequently, Myrrh can rapidly penetrate the cuticle to body cavity, destroy the epithelial gut cells and finally cause the death of ticks