Autogenous reproduction by Ornithodoros turicata (Ixodida: Argasidae) females and vertical transmission of the tick-borne pathogen Borrelia turicatae (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae).
Appl Environ Microbiol
; 89(11): e0103223, 2023 11 29.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37877726
ABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE Previous research has implicated Ornithodoros ticks, including Ornithodoros turicata, as long-term reservoirs of relapsing fever (RF) spirochetes. Considering the tick's long lifespan and their efficiency in maintaining and transferring spirochetes within the population, the infection could persist in a given enzootic focus for decades. However, little is known about the relative importance of horizontal and vertical transmission routes in the persistence and evolution of RF Borrelia. Our observations on the reproductive biology of O. turicata in the absence of vertebrate hosts indicate an additional mechanism by which Borrelia turicatae can be maintained in the environment. This work establishes the foundation for studying O. turicata reproduction and spirochete-vector interactions, which will aid in devising control measures for Ornithodoros ticks and RF spirochetes.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Febre Recorrente
/
Borrelia
/
Argasidae
/
Ornithodoros
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Appl Environ Microbiol
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos