Studies on feeding of Argas (Persicargas) miniatus larvae (Acari: Argasidae) on naive chicks

The histology of skin responses to infestation with Argas (Persicargas) miniatus Koch, 1844, larvae was investigated on previously unexposed 1-mo-old chicks. An amorphous, acidophilic substance, referred to as cement, was observed from 24 h after infestation until the ticks had detached. The morphology of the lesions changed gradually during the time of infestation. Initially, dissociation of collagen fibers and a mild infiltration with heterophil and mononuclear cells (12-24 h) was observed. Then, fibroblastic cords, mononuclear cell focuses, erythrocytes, and some heterophils (48-72 h) could be observed. Finally, predominance of fibroblast proliferation was noted.