The association between Amblyomma variegatum and dermatophilosis: epidemiology and immunology.

A close association was found between infestation with Amblyomma variegatum and the occurrence of dermatophilosis on cattle on the coastal Plains of Ghana. Animals belonging to breeds traditionally regarded as more susceptible to the disease also tended to carry higher tick burdens. The basis of the association between infestation with this tick and the occurrence of dermatophilosis would appear to involve tick-induced immunosuppression.