Advances in the artificial feeding of Ornithodoros moubata (Acari: Ixodidae) and the follow up of its life cycle after feeding on fetal bovine serum

Abstract

Ornithodoros moubata was fed artificially through a parafilm membrane with two types of artificial meals. The first type was composed of bovine and horse red blood cells suspended in phosphate buffered saline or fetal bovine serum (FBS). The second type was composed of FBS alone. Engorgement and post engorgement survival rates of the ticks after feeding on the two types of meals were compared and analysed statistically. FBS was found to be superior to red blood cell meals. Eventually two batches of FBS from different manufacturers were used to feed the ticks through artificial membrane. Engorgement and post engorgement survival rates were again compared and analysed statistically. There was no significant difference between the two lots. Finally O. moubata was fed on FBS and successful reproductive cycle followed up to the third generation.