The acaricide action of Jambu (Acmella oleracea): I. Study of the effects on morphophysiology of male and female reproductive systems of Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract

Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites of great epidemiological importance, as are vectors of many pathogens to different species of animals, especially mammals, including man. The Amblyomma cajennense tick species, popularly known as the star tick or rodoleiro, has great medical importance mainly because it is vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, causing the Rocky Spotted Fever which can lead the host died. Man is heavily parasitized mainly by larval and nymphal tick. In an attempt to control tick infestations have been used chemical acaricides efficient in eliminating ectoparasites, however offer risks to humans, non-target organisms and the environment. Thus, there is the need to seek control these ectoparasites, with less environmentally damaging methods, to non- target organisms and human health. The use of acaricides products from plants has been shown to be extremely promising. In general, the plants products are presented as a potential alternative, and for this reason, the development of research focusing on compounds derived from plants may provide an environmentally safer products and more suitable than synthetic ones. Thus, this study aims to conduct a study on the action of the extract of the aerial parts (flower, leaf and stem) of Acmella oleracea (Asteraceae) on male and female reproductive systems of A. cajennese ticks. The extract of A. oleracea has proven acaricidal activity, and shown to be highly effective in engorged female and larvae of Rhipicephalus microplus (cattle tick), and is described in the literature as a product with an analgesic action, antifungal and insecticide. Therefore, experiments will be conducted to determine the lethal concentration and sublethal, morphophysiological analysis of the testes and oocytes by histology and immunohistochemistry techniques (Conventional Light Microscopy) analysis in Transmission Electron Microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning. (AU)