Changes in protein content of Argas (Persicargas) persicus (Acari: Argasidae) Ovary after Treatment with Allium sativum Extract

Abstract

Argas (Persicargas) persicus is a parasitic feeder on blood of poultry birds. After each blood meal a female is capable of producing a large numbers of eggs, the hatched larva remains attached to its bird host for seven or more days and draw numerous bulky blood meals. The ovary is the main factory part for the oogenesis (production of eggs). The targeting treatment with ecofriendly acaricide is required to disrupt the normal physiology of the ovary. This study aimed to analyse and quantify total and fractionated protein in the ovary of A. persicus females treated with Allium sativum extracts from fresh garlic bulbs. Group of engorged females were topically treated with garlic extract at 1.44% concentration, and another group with water (control). All females were crossed independently with normal males. In order to analyze the proteins of the ovary, the untreated females were dissected 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 20 days after feeding (DAF) which represent different physiological states of tick and the treated females were dissected 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 20 DAF. The ovaries were homogenated and subjected to standard total and fractionated protein techniques. The protein concentration in the ovary was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the control group than in the treated samples. Fractionated protein showed five characteristic bands to vitellogenesis process in the control group. They reach the highest concentration level at 7th days after feeding (DAF). These five bands were disappeared in the treated samples except for one band in the corresponding time. These results demonstrate the action of A. sativum bulbs extracts on reducing A. persicus total and vitellogenesis proteins. The protein reduction in the ovary will consequently cause reduction in the oogenesis process.