Entomopathogenic fungi against South American tick species.
Ticks are parasites of serious concern for humans, domesticated animals and wild animals. Despite scientific advances, in South America the principal control method for ticks is the use of chemical acaricides. Indiscriminate use of these products causes environmental pollution, food contamination and development of tick resistance to acaricides. In vitro studies and field trials have demonstrated that pathogenic fungal isolates not only cause mortality of many tick species, but also reduce subsequent generations due to effects on their reproductive efficacy. Accordingly, this review presents results of several studies which were conducted in South America. Furthermore, it outlines current information on fungal pathogens of ticks and discusses the need to develop and implement effective strategies for use of entomopathogenic fungi to control ticks in the near future.
Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5305, USA.
Everton Kort Kamp
EK
Fernandes
Vânia Rita Elias Pinheiro
VR
Bittencourt
D000818:Animals; D052982:Beauveria / Q000502:physiology*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D052981:Metarhizium / Q000502:physiology*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D013020:South America; D013987:Ticks / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*