Immunity and immunization against Hyalomma tick vectors of bovine tropical theileriosis: A review Chhabra M.B.1, Retd. Professor of Veterinary Parasitology, Khurana K.L.2, Director Department of Veterinary Parasitology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, India 1Present address: 2518, Sector D-2, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110 070
2Present address: Animal Husbandry, Government of NCT, Delhi, Room 101, Old Secretariat, Delhi-110 054
Abstract Cattle ticks are a major constraint on the livestock industry, because of the diseases transmitted by them and high cost in their control. Problems of resistance, pollution and poisoning due to the widespread use of chemical ectoparasiticides, have led to an emphasis-shift on the need and relevance of alternative tick control measures. A promising new approach is the development of host immunity through administration of tick antigens. It has had a remarkable degree of success against the one-host tick Boophilus microplus. A preponderance of studies has, therefore, emanated from Australia and USA where this tick is the major pest and vector. In the multi-host ticks on the other hand, the scenario so far is not too encouraging. Control of Hyalomma ticks, the vectors of tropical theileriosis, is an economic necessity in India vis-a-vis the cross-breeding programme to upgrade the productivity of its cattle. Thanks to the growth in the fields of immunology and molecular biology and consequent availability of new tools for isolation and fractionation of parasite’s antigens, considerable recent research has addressed itself to host immune-responses to Hyalomma ticks, principally H. anatolicum anatolicum. The objective of this review is to take stock of the research reported on this topic over the last fifteen years. The potential of these approaches to deliver practical results in the foreseeable future will be assessed. The attempt is to collect the available information in a single mass to serve as baseline material and to define the direction and strategies for future research. Top Keywords Immunity, Hyalomma sp., Tick control. Top |