IMMUNOLOGICAL CROSS-REACTIVITY BETWEEN SALIVARY-GLAND PROTEINS OF HYALOMMA-ANATOLICUM-ANATOLICUM AND BOOPHILUS-MICROPLUS TICKS

Immunological cross-reactivity was established between salivary gland extract antigens of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (H.a.a) and Boophil us microplus (B.m.), using native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis ( native-PAGE), immunoblotting DOT-enzyme immunoassay (DOT-EIA) and in v ivo intra-dermal skin test revealing immediate type hypersensitivity s welling reaction. Native-PAGE revealed six proteins in common of molec ular weights of 60, 66, 148, 264, 300 and > 300 kDa in the salivary gl and extract (SGE) of both the ticks. Four additional bands of molecula r weights of 56, 64, 120 and 220 kDa were present in H.a.a but absent in B.m. Immunoblot assay of native-PAGE transblotted proteins of H.a.a ., using mice anti-H.a.a. SGE and anti-B.m. SGE immune serum revealed a common protein of 66 kDa. In DOT-EIA, anti-H.a.a. or anti-B.m. SGE i mmune serum gave similar antibody titres against the SGE antigens of e ither tick species. Intradermal inoculation of the SGE antigens of eit her species on cross-bred calves (Bos indicus X Bos taurus) immunized to H.a.a. or B.m. ticks produced a strong, immediate hypersensitivity skin swelling reaction.