Analysis of Immunogenic Relevant Proteins in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus Tick

Background: Considering the importance of ticks as a main group transmitting pathogen organisms, this study designed to recognize immunogenic proteins in different tissues of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus tick and to find out if there are common proteins in these tissues. Methods: Seven cattle were experimentally infested with about 10000 R. annulatus larvae and their humoral immune response to extracts of salivary gland and ovary of adult ticks and larval extracts during infestation were determined by ELISA and Western blot analysis. Measurements of serum antibodies level recorded weekly, from week 0 to week 9. Results: Using Western blot analysis, 15 fractions from soluble antigens extracted from salivary gland and larvae, and 14 fractions in the larval extracts were recognized. These findings illustrate the recognition of common antigens with molecular weight of 170, 117, 100, 70, 37, 33 and 30 kDa from different antigens by resistant cattle sera. Conclusion: Common antigens are present in different tissues of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus, which can be used as a target in immunization against ticks.