Investigation On Fungi associated with Hyalomma anatolicum and Amblyomma lepidum (Acari=Ixodidae) in Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the occurrence of fungi on Hyalomma anatolicum and Amblyomma lepidum. Ticks were collected from different localities in the Sudan, Khartoum, Gezira, El Obeid and Ed Damazine in approach to biological control. Various fungal species were isolated from field collected and colony- contaminated tick. Most fungi were found to belong to Hyphomycetes in addition to yeasts. The study reported the first isolation of such fungi from Hyalomma anatolicum and Amblyomma lepidum in the Sudan. Scopulariopsis bervicaulis, the currently isolated fungus, was found to have significantly inhibited reproductive performance of the treated ticks. Thus, the use of naturally occurring fungi as biological means of tick control in the Sudan is highly recommended.