Molecular Detection and Characterization of Bm86 Gene Homologues from Hyalomma truncatum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus for the Development of an Anti-Tick Vaccine in Nigeria

Abstract

The current study was conducted using prevalent Ixodid ticks from the Jos Plateau, were largely the use of acaricides has a number of drawbacks which include the development of resistant ticks, environmental pollution and toxicity. The molecular detection and characterization of Bm86 gene homologues in Hyalomma truncutum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus for the first time in Nigeria was achieved and significantly important in the quest for alternative tick control strategies. GenBank Accession numbers has been assigned to the homologues as KF670599, KF670600 and KF670601 respectively and deposited as well. These results might assist in the development of a recombinant Bm86 gene based anti-tick vaccine which is an important component of an integrated control measure against hard ticks infesting livestock in the sub-Saharan Africa.