Development of Theileria mutans (Theiler, 1906) in the gut and the haemolymph of the tick Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius, 1794).

The development of Theileria mutans in the gut and haemolymph of its tick vector, Amblyomma variegatum, was studied by Giemsa-stained smears after the nymphal tick had completed engorgement on parasitaemic calves. Sexual stages occurred in the gut between five and seven days after repletion. The zygotes were observed in the gut from day 29 and the kinetes from day 30, i.e. three and four days after the nymphs moulted to adults. From day 34 kinetes were observed in the haemolymph. The developmental stages of T. mutans in the tick were compared with those of other Theileria spp. of cattle.