Comparative Studies on the Infectivity of Theileria Parva in Ticks fed in Vitro and those fed on Cattle.
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Date
2004
Authors
Musyoki, J. M.
Osir, E. O.
Kiara, H. K.
Kokwaro, E. D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kluwer Academic Publisher
Abstract
Nymphs of the brown ear tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, were fed on heparinised bovine blood infected with Theileria parva parasites in an in vitro feeding system consisting of rabbit skin membranes. The main feeding and development parameters such as the mean attachment rate, feeding duration and engorgement weights of membrane-fed ticks were not significantly different from nymphs fed on cattle. The moulting rate was also comparable although a slight significant difference was observed. Assessment of infection prevalence and abundance with T. parva in adults indicated that the membrane-fed ticks acquired infection to the same level as those fed on cattle. Stabilates prepared from both the membrane- and cattle-fed adult ticks were found to be infective and caused severe reactions in susceptible cattle. When the immunised cattle were challenged with a lethal homologous dose of T. parva (Marikebuni), they were found to be immune.
Description
Keywords
Artificial feeding, Disease transmission, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Skin membranes, Theileria parva
Citation
Experimental and Applied Acarology 2004;32(1-2):51-67.