Induced Resistance to Ixodid Tick Infestation: Analysis and Isolation of Antigens

摘要

Ticks are both vectors and reservoirs for significant pathogens of man and livestock. They are currently controlled through use of acaracides, but have rapidly developed resistance to every new acaracide produced to date. Alternative methods of control are needed. One proposed alternative is immunologic control, achieved through vaccinations which induce resistance to tick infestation. This proposal stems from the knowledge that cattle and laboratory animals actively acquire resistance to infestation. Immunization with crude extracts of different ixodid life cycle stages or organs has induced limited levels of resistance compared to acquired resistance. Defined tick antigens are needed to study the immunopathology and to develop vaccines. The work presented here provides additional evidence that immunologic control of ticks is a realistic and achievable goal.