The feeding performance of the IxodidRhipicephalus appendiculatusNeum. on rabbits, cattle and other hosts

Abstract

A study was made between 1967 and 1971 at Edinburgh University and at EAVRO, Muguga, of the variability in feeding performance of all three instars of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neum., with a view to better prediction of transmissions of Theileria parva. Variability could be definitely ascribed to factors within the ticks only when vigour was reduced after prolonged storage and when mating opportunity was withheld from attached females.Lower environmental temperatures prolonged engorgement, but it was arguable whether this effect was produced through the tick or through the host. All other sources of variability arose from influences within the host. The most significant of these were recognised in responses by rabbits in which resistance had been induced by successive infestations. Resistance was manifested by prolonged engorgement, by a reduction in numbers engorged and in degree of repletion, and by an increasing severity in host reaction. Three resistance mechanisms were suggested by host reactions-one appearing at the earliest stages of attachment, a second with the deposition of cement, and a third at the start of salivation. Each varied in efficacy, and each was capable of arresting an infestation. Cumulative and synergistic responses were ascribed to interactions between these mechanisms. Storage periods, sizes of infestations and sex ratios of R. appendiculatus were standardised within routine procedures, and abundant records of previous and subsequent performances on rabbits and cattle are presented for comparison and reference. Comparison of feeding performances on different animals suggests that cattle, buffalo, eland, waterbuck and oryx are as satisfactory as hosts as the rabbit, whereas Thomson's gazelle, wildebeest, sheep and goat are less so. Immature instars successfully completed engorgement on mongoose, cane rat, genet, domestic fowl and spur-fowl.

Influence of Repeated Infestations with Pathogen-FreeIxodes scapularis(Acari: Ixodidae) on In Vitro Lymphocyte Proliferation Responses of C3H/HeN Mice

“…Tick feeding can be inßuenced by the age of ticks, environmental factors, season, and sex ratios of infesting nymphs (Gladney and Drummond 1970, Sweatman 1970, Balashov 1972, Branagan 1974, Christe et al 1998, or by mouse strain infested (Randolph 1979). Regardless, differences in tick biology parameters observed in this study did not indicate the development of acquired resistance to infestation.…”

Immunoglobulin G binding proteins in male Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks

“…The difference in apparent molecular weight (Wang & Nuttall 1995) and antigenic specificity of male and female IGBPs suggests that the mechanism of host IgG excretion differs between male and female R . uppendiculatus, reflecting their different feeding behaviour (Branagan 1974). The three abundant male IGBPs were detectable only after feeding had been initiated.…”

“…Following engorgment and dropoff, the female lays a single batch of eggs and then dies. The male lives longer and will detach after 2 to 3 days feeding on a host and then wander on the host's surface in search of females (Branagan 1974). The males then mate and reattach, and then repeat the procedure.…”

“…The males then mate and reattach, and then repeat the procedure. If males remain on the host after the replete females are removed, they can mate with successive infestations of females for at least six weeks (Branagan 1974).…”

Rearing Amblyomma variegatum ticks in the laboratory: a simple technique to enhance attachment

“…While some species of ticks feed readily on a wide range of laboratory hosts, e.g. Rhipicephalus appeiidiculafus Neumann (Branagan, 1974), others such as Boophilus spp. have a very narrow host range (Bennet & Wharton, 1968).…”