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Powassan Virus Lineage I in Field-Collected Dermacentor variabilis Ticks, New York, USA

Charles Hart, Erin Hassett, Chantal B F Vogels

    Emerging Infectious Diseases
    |January 24, 2023
    PubMed

    Insights

    Powassan virus, a dangerous tickborne flavivirus, was found in Dermacentor variabilis ticks. This finding expands our understanding of Powassan virus transmission beyond its usual Ixodes tick hosts.

    Area of Science:

    • Arthropod-borne viruses
    • Viral ecology
    • Neurovirology

    Background:

    • Powassan virus (POWV) is a tickborne flavivirus known to cause severe neurologic disease in humans.
    • The virus is primarily transmitted by Ixodes species ticks.
    • Spillover to other tick species could alter geographic distribution and transmission dynamics.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the potential for Powassan virus (POWV) lineage I detection in Dermacentor variabilis ticks.
    • To assess the role of D. variabilis ticks as potential vectors for POWV.

    Main Methods:

    • Field-collected D. variabilis tick pools were collected in New York, USA.
    • Tick pools were tested for the presence of Powassan virus lineage I using molecular methods.

    Main Results:

    • Powassan virus lineage I was detected in a pool of field-collected D. variabilis ticks.
    • This represents the first detection of POWV in this tick species in this region.

    Conclusions:

    • Dermacentor variabilis ticks may play a role in the transmission cycle of Powassan virus.
    • This finding has implications for understanding the epidemiology and geographic range of POWV.
    • Further research is needed to determine the public health significance of POWV in D. variabilis ticks.
    Keywords:
    Dermacentor variabilisNew YorkPowassan virusUnited Statesdog tickticksvector-borne infectionsviruses

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