Immunological assessment of whole tick extract of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum

Whole tick extract (WTE) prepared from partially fed adult females of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum fractionated by Sephadex G-200 chromatography revealed two peaks. The first peak with molecular weights ranging from 212 to 292 kDa was positive in dot-ELISA with antiserum raised against WTE in rabbits. Proteins of this peak were used as whole tick extract fractionated (WTEF) antigens. Rabbits were immunized with WTE and WTEF antigens and antibodies were detectable in the serum by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) from day 14 onwards of the first inoculation. WTEF and WTE immunizations induced a significant resistance to challenge infestation with H. a. anatolicum in terms of feeding and reproductive parameters of these ticks.