Cellular responses to Rhipicephalus microplus infestations in pre-sensitised cattle with differing phenotypes of infestation

Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher; Dzama, K.; Chimonyo, M.

doi:10.1007/s10493-013-9723-5

Cited by 18 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Different types of immune reactions can also be included in the general scope of tick toxicoses [3,27]. Immediate and delayed skin hypersensitivity was reported in cattle exposed to R. microplus and R. decoloratus antigens [28,29], and in dogs exposed to A. cajennense antigens [30]. …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are ticks venomous animals?

Cabezas-Cruz

Valdés

2014

Front Zool

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IntroductionAs an ecological adaptation venoms have evolved independently in several species of Metazoa. As haematophagous arthropods ticks are mainly considered as ectoparasites due to directly feeding on the skin of animal hosts. Ticks are of major importance since they serve as vectors for several diseases affecting humans and livestock animals. Ticks are rarely considered as venomous animals despite that tick saliva contains several protein families present in venomous taxa and that many Ixodida genera can induce paralysis and other types of toxicoses. Tick saliva was previously proposed as a special kind of venom since tick venom is used for blood feeding that counteracts host defense mechanisms. As a result, the present study provides evidence to reconsider the venomous properties of tick saliva.ResultsBased on our extensive literature mining and in silico research, we demonstrate that ticks share several similarities with other venomous taxa. Many tick salivary protein families and their previously described functions are homologous to proteins found in scorpion, spider, snake, platypus and bee venoms. This infers that there is a structural and functional convergence between several molecular components in tick saliva and the venoms from other recognized venomous taxa. We also highlight the fact that the immune response against tick saliva and venoms (from recognized venomous taxa) are both dominated by an allergic immunity background. Furthermore, by comparing the major molecular components of human saliva, as an example of a non-venomous animal, with that of ticks we find evidence that ticks resemble more venomous than non-venomous animals. Finally, we introduce our considerations regarding the evolution of venoms in Arachnida.ConclusionsTaking into account the composition of tick saliva, the venomous functions that ticks have while interacting with their hosts, and the distinguishable differences between human (non-venomous) and tick salivary proteins, we consider that ticks should be referred to as venomous ectoparasites.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are ticks venomous animals?

Cabezas-Cruz

Valdés

2014

Front Zool

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“…Although the ecotypes tend to have specific phenotypes with regard to colour and body and or head conformation, genetic differentiation has not been confirmed. Studies to date has confirmed adaptability traits (Marufu et al 2011(Marufu et al , 2014 of the Nguni and identified genomic regions underlying tick resistance (Mapholi et al 2015). In this study the focus was on the genetic diversity and population structure of the known and unknown ecotypes based on microsatellite markers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Genetic diversity in South African Nguni cattle ecotypes based on microsatellite markers

Sanarana

Visser

Bosman

et al. 2015

Trop Anim Health Prod

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The Nguni cattle breed is a landrace breed adapted to different ecological regions of South Africa. A number of ecotypes are recognised based on phenotype within the breed, but it is not known if they are genetically distinct. In this study molecular characterization was performed on Makhathini (MAK), Pedi (PED), Shangaan (SHA) and Venda (VEN) Nguni cattle ecotypes. Two Nguni cattle populations, not kept as separate ecotypes, from University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Agricultural Research Council Loskop South farm (LOS) were also included. Genotypic data was generated for 189 unrelated Nguni cattle selected based on pedigree records using 22 microsatellite markers. The expected heterozygosity values varied from 69% (UFH) to 72% PED with a mean number of alleles ranging from 6.0 to 6.9. The F ST estimate demonstrated that 4.8% of the total genetic variation was due to the genetic differentiation between the populations and 92.2% accounted for differences within the populations. The genetic distances and structure analysis revealed the closest relationship between MAK, PEDI and SHA ecotypes, followed by SHA and VEN. The UFH population clustered with the MAK ecotype, indicating that they are more genetically similar, while the LOS cattle grouped as a distinct cluster. Results suggest that the genetic differentiation between the PED and SHA ecotypes is low and can be regarded as one ecotype based on 2 limited genetic differences. The results of this study can be applied as a point of reference for further genetic studies towards conservation of Nguni cattle ecotypes.

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“…[4] reported that Mashona cattle were more resistant to ticks and had high calving and weaning rate under marginal environmental conditions characterising most smallholder areas when compared to some exotic breeds. The resistance to ticks in sanga breed has been attributed to coat characteristics such as colour, hair length and density [48], grooming behaviour and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction to tick infestation [65]. An understanding of the mechanisms behind genetic resistance to ticks and TBD in livestock species could improve breeding programmes to develop animals that are more resistant and productive [62].…”

Section: Characterisation and The Adaptive Traits Of Indigenous Beef mentioning

confidence: 99%

Conservation of indigenous cattle genetic resources in Southern Africa’s smallholder areas: turning threats into opportunities — A review

Nyamushamba

Mapiye

Tada

et al. 2016

Asian-Australas J Anim Sci

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The current review focuses on characterization and conservation efforts vital for the development of breeding programmes for indigenous beef cattle genetic resources in Southern Africa. Indigenous African cattle breeds were identified and characterized using information from refereed journals, conference papers and research reports. Results of this current review reviewed that smallholder beef cattle production in Southern Africa is extensive and dominated by indigenous beef cattle strains adaptable to the local environment. The breeds include Nguni, Mashona, Tuli, Malawi Zebu, Bovino de Tete, Angoni, Landim, Barotse, Twsana and Ankole. These breeds have important functions ranging from provision of food and income to socio-economic, cultural and ecological roles. They also have adaptive traits ranging from drought tolerant, resistance to ticks and tick borne diseases, heat tolerance and resistance to trypanosomosis. Stakeholders in the conservation of beef cattle were also identified and they included farmers, national government, research institutes and universities as well as breeding companies and societies in Southern Africa. Research efforts made to evaluate threats and opportunities of indigenous beef cattle production systems, assess the contribution of indigenous cattle to household food security and income, genetically and phenotypically characterize and conserve indigenous breeds, and develop breeding programs for smallholder beef production are highlighted. Although smallholder beef cattle production in the smallholder farming systems contributes substantially to household food security and income, their productivity is hindered by several constraints that include high prevalence of diseases and parasites, limited feed availability and poor marketing. The majority of the African cattle populations remain largely uncharacterized although most of the indigenous cattle breeds have been identified.

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Cellular responses to Rhipicephalus microplus infestations in pre-sensitised cattle with differing phenotypes of infestation

Cited by 18 publications

References 32 publications

Are ticks venomous animals?

Are ticks venomous animals?

Genetic diversity in South African Nguni cattle ecotypes based on microsatellite markers

Conservation of indigenous cattle genetic resources in Southern Africa’s smallholder areas: turning threats into opportunities — A review

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