Immunization against ticks: use of salivary gland antigens and infestations with Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (Acari: Ixodidae) in rabbits.

Comparative immunogenicity of salivary gland antigens (SGA) derived from adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (Neumann) and experimental infestations with the three stages of the tick was investigated. The best immunization schedule judged by reduction of engorgement weights and hatchability resulted from nymphal and adult tick infestations. Inoculation of rabbits with SGA in Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) induced immune responses comparable to those associated with larval infestations, but less than those produced by nymphal or adult tick infestations. High antibody titers directed against SGA were detected only in the vaccinated and adult tick-infested rabbits. The results of this experiment suggest that SGA prepared from partially fed ticks can be used in the experimental induction of immunity to ticks and that the antigen has potential as a vaccine against R. appendiculatus ticks.