Immunization of cattle against <i>Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum </i>using larval antigens

Abstract

Development of immunity in cross-bred <i>(Bos taurus </i>x <i>Bos indicus) </i>calves against <i>Hyalomma analolicum analolicum, </i>vector of bovine tropical theileriosis, was studied using larval antigen (LS) in Freund's complete adjuvant (FLA). Calves<i> </i>immunized with LS + FCA showed significant rejection of larvae (57.25±6.8) and nymphs (45.75 ± 5.16). Abnormally fed<i> </i>larvae (11.4 ± 0.8) and nymphs (8.25 ± 1.2) were also recovered from immunized calves. This abnormal feeding may possibly<i> </i>be attributed to their inability to gain access to the blood vessels owing to the host immunological reactions. Consequently,

feeding of extravascular fluid leads to white colour of fed ticks. Sera from all immunized calves after a week of immunization were positive for anti-LS antibodies in ELISA. The investigation indicates that LS in FCA enhanced anti-tick immunity.