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Vector competence of Ixodes muris (Acari: Ixodidae) for Borrelia burgdorferi
M C Dolan1, E H Lacombe, J Piesman
1Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA.
Abstract:
The vector competence of Ixodes muris (Bishopp & Smith) was determined for Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. Larval I. muris were fed on ICR outbred mice infected with the B-31 laboratory strain of B. burgdorferi. Replete larvae, at 5 d after feeding, were assayed for infection by culture in Barbour-Stoner-Kelly (BSK-H) media. Infection frequency in I. muris replete larvae was 66%. Resultant nymphs were fed on naive ICR outbred mice to determine the ability of I. muris to transmit infection. Infection frequency in fed nymphs declined to 38% and only 1/5 mice was positive for B. burgdorferi on ear biopsy culture. We demonstrated that I. muris is capable of acquiring and transmitting B. burgdorferi but is a relatively poor vector compared with I. scapularis (Say).
Insights
Ixodes muris ticks can acquire and transmit Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium causing Lyme disease. However, they are less effective vectors compared to Ixodes scapularis ticks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Medical Entomology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Lyme disease is a significant public health concern, primarily transmitted by Ixodes ticks.
- Understanding the vector competence of different tick species is crucial for disease prevention and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the vector competence of Ixodes muris for Borrelia burgdorferi.
- To compare the transmission efficiency of Ixodes muris with Ixodes scapularis.
Main Methods:
- Larval Ixodes muris were fed on Borrelia burgdorferi-infected mice.
- Infection prevalence in replete larvae and nymphs was assessed via culture.
- Nymphs were fed on naive mice to assess transmission capability.
Main Results:
- 66% of replete Ixodes muris larvae were infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Infection prevalence decreased to 38% in nymphs.
- Only one of five mice exposed to infected nymphs became culture-positive for Borrelia burgdorferi.
Conclusions:
- Ixodes muris can acquire and transmit Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Ixodes muris demonstrates a lower vector competence for Borrelia burgdorferi compared to Ixodes scapularis.