Detection of immune response in rabbits infested with Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi.

Two groups of rabbits infested repeatedly with Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi and R appendiculatus acquired resistance as evidenced by reduced ectoparasite engorged weights and development of anti-tick antibodies in the hosts. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using salivary gland antigens of R appendiculatus was able to detect antibody responses to both the homologous and heterologous tick challenges. It was concluded that the immune response in hosts infested by these two tick species stimulates the production of antibodies which show cross reactions.