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Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: August 25, 2018
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Molecular Ecological Insights into Neotropical Bird-Tick Interactions
Matthew J Miller1,2, Helen J Esser1,3, Jose R Loaiza1,4,5
1Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Plos One
|May 21, 2016
Summary
Immature ticks in Panama frequently infest wild birds, with parasitism linked to host ecology, not climate. This research identifies diverse tick species on birds, highlighting their role in tick ecology and potential disease transmission.
Area of Science:
- Tropical ecology
- Parasitology
- Ornithology
- Arthropod-borne diseases
Background:
- Tick-host interactions in the tropics are poorly understood, particularly concerning immature ticks and avian hosts.
- Identification challenges of immature ticks limit research on their ecological roles and disease transmission potential.
- Most research has focused on adult ticks and mammalian hosts, neglecting the significant role of birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and diversity of tick parasitism on wild birds in Panama.
- To identify tick species infesting birds and assess host-parasite interactions.
- To evaluate the role of avian hosts in the ecology of tropical ticks and tick-borne pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Sampling and identification of immature ticks on wild birds across Panama.
- Development of a molecular library from adult ticks for species identification.
- Analysis of tick parasitism rates in relation to host ecological traits, climate, and migratory status.
- Molecular identification of tick species found on avian hosts.
Main Results:
- Immature ticks were found on 24% of sampled bird species, representing 13% of Panama's land bird fauna.
- Tick parasitism varied with host ecological traits but not with rainfall or temperature.
- Neotropical-Nearctic migratory birds were less likely to be infested than resident species.
- Eleven tick species were identified on birds, with common species showing diverse avian hosts, indicating opportunistic parasitism.
- Principal vectors of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever were rarely found on birds, but other tick species carrying novel rickettsial agents were common.
Conclusions:
- Wild birds in Panama host a diverse array of tick species, challenging previous assumptions focused on mammals.
- Avian hosts play a significant role in the ecology of immature tropical ticks.
- Understanding tick-bird interactions is crucial for assessing the transmission dynamics of emerging tick-borne pathogens in the tropics.
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