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Mixed Rickettsia-virus infection in Dermacentor reticulatus imago
V V Gosteva1, N V Klitsunova, J Rehácek
1Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology AMS USSR, Moscow.
Abstract:
Electron microscopic examination revealed replication and accumulation of Rickettsia sibirica in the fat body of experimentally infected Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. Rickettsia are released from the fat body cells by budding being surrounded with cytoplasm and plasmalemma of the host cell. Eukaryotic cell structures have been detected consisting of lamella layers whirled around the intact rickettsiae. In addition to rickettsia, microorganisms morphologically resembling Francisella tularensis and an orbivirus were found in tick tissues at morphological examination. The morphology of the virus and stages of its morphogenesis are described. Mixed viral and rickettsial infection has been shown to develop in the same ticks and even in the same fat body cells in a very close association.
Insights
Electron microscopy revealed Rickettsia sibirica replicating in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. These bacteria, along with Francisella tularensis-like microbes and an orbivirus, were found in a mixed infection within the same tick cells.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Entomology
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Ticks, such as Dermacentor reticulatus, are vectors for various pathogens.
- Rickettsia sibirica is a bacterium known to infect ticks and can cause disease in hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the replication and cellular interactions of Rickettsia sibirica in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks.
- To identify other potential co-infecting microorganisms within these ticks.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks with Rickettsia sibirica.
- Electron microscopic examination of tick tissues to visualize pathogen morphology and replication.
- Morphological analysis to identify co-infecting agents.
Main Results:
- Rickettsia sibirica replicated and accumulated within the fat body of infected ticks.
- Rickettsia were released from host cells via budding, surrounded by host cell components.
- Microorganisms resembling Francisella tularensis and an orbivirus were also detected in tick tissues.
- Evidence of a mixed infection with Rickettsia and the orbivirus within the same tick cells was observed.
Conclusions:
- Dermacentor reticulatus ticks support the replication of Rickettsia sibirica.
- Ticks can harbor multiple pathogens, including Rickettsia, Francisella-like bacteria, and orbiviruses, potentially leading to mixed infections.
- The close association of these pathogens within the same tick cells warrants further investigation into their interactions and implications for disease transmission.