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Immunological responses to parasitic arthropods
1Agriculture Canada Research Station, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Parasitology Today (Personal Ed.)
|March 1, 1987
Summary
Livestock producers face significant economic losses from parasitic arthropods. Researchers are exploring alternative control methods, such as inducing host immunity, to combat insecticide resistance and environmental concerns.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Parasitic arthropods cause substantial global economic losses in livestock production.
- Losses range from irritation to mortality, with direct costs often excluding pesticide-related expenses.
- Traditional chemical controls present challenges like insecticide resistance, environmental pollution, and residues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review alternative arthropod control strategies for livestock.
- To highlight the potential of artificially induced host immunity.
- To discuss examples of ectoparasites that elicit immunological resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on parasitic arthropods and host immunity.
- Discussion of specific ectoparasite examples and their immunological interactions.
- Analysis of challenges posed by conventional pest control methods.
Main Results:
- Parasitic arthropods, including mites, lice, and flies, can induce immunological resistance in hosts.
- Alternative control methods are being investigated due to issues with chemical pesticides.
- Examples like Sarcoptes, Demodex, Melophagus ovinus, and Hypoderma are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Host immunity offers a promising alternative to chemical pesticides for controlling livestock ectoparasites.
- Further research into induced immunity could mitigate economic losses and environmental impact.
- Understanding host-parasite immunological interactions is key to developing sustainable control strategies.