Abstract
Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the effect of adult Amblyomma hebraeum on the blood composition and weight of rabbits. Four groups of 10, 20, 25 and 35 female ticks/per rabbit were studied. There was a positive correlation between the number of ticks that engorged and the severity of anemia that developed. A positive correlation between the level of tick infestation and weight loss of the rabbits ( r = 0.9520) was also demonstrated. Slight changes in the various types of leucocytes were not significant. Rabbits that were injected with tick saliva and those from which blood was artificially removed showed no weight loss and only a very slight change in blood composition. This indicates that anemia induced by A. hebraeum and host weight loss result from the combination of 2 factors: blood loss and toxins introduced by the feeding ticks.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
