Tembo, S.D.Kiwanuka, A.Verwoerd, Daniel Wynand2012-12-122012-12-1220121997Tembo, SD & Kiwanuka, A 1997, 'Acquisition of protective immunity in Geochelone pardalis against Amblyomma marmoreum (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphal ticks’. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 64, no. 1, pp. 1-4.0330-2465http://hdl.handle.net/2263/20744The articles have been scanned in colour with a HP Scanjet 5590; 600dpi. Adobe Acrobat X Pro was used to OCR the text and also for the merging and conversion to the final presentation PDF-format.Significant increases in serum globulins (α₁ , α₂ , β and γ) were observed in mountain leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis) after they had been immunized with nymphal homogenates of Amblyomma marmoreum. There was a concomitant significant increase in the numbers of leukocytes (lymphocytes, basophils, monocytes and eosinophils). Resistance to nymphal-challenge infestations was manifested by reduced feeding time, lower engorgement masses, and significantly fewer (P < 0,0001) numbers of nymphs that moulted. These findings are contrary to the generally reported phenomenon, that ticks do not induce resistance in their natural hosts.en© ARC-Onderstepoort (original). © University of Pretoria. Dept of Library Services (digital).Veterinary medicineAmblyomma marmoreumGeochelone pardalisHomogenatesImmunityNymphal ticksTortoisesVeterinary medicine -- South AfricaArticle