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Published on: October 6, 2018
The Behavior of Rickettsia-Positive Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks under Laboratory Conditions
Natália Pipová1, Katarína Peňazziová1,2, Miroslav Baňas1
1Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 041 80 Košice, Slovakia.
Abstract:
Considering that tick-borne diseases are on the rise, a full understanding of how pathogen-tick-host interactions can lead to vector behavioral modifications is of high value. Successful transmission of pathogens to their hosts depends on vector mobility and their ability to quest for prey and attack hosts. In our research, the behavior of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (n = 88) that were positive or negative for Rickettsia spp. (prevalence-36.36%) were analyzed using novel behavioral apparatuses. Tick locomotion and their preference for light or darkness were studied utilizing a multirod arena (MA) and a light/dark test (LDT) optimized for ticks. Behavioral tasks were evaluated using a Smart video-tracking system (Panlab, Spain). The majority of ticks (p < 0.0001) explored in the center of MA during the first 15 min. Despite that, most of them (p < 0.01) chose the periphery for questing or resting postures. They also preferred the elevated parts of the rods (p < 0.001) for this behavior. Ticks significantly (p < 0.0001) preferred the light part of the LDT. Rickettsia-infected ticks had higher locomotor activity, manifesting as longer trajectories (p = 0.0221). Our results revealed the possible impact of pathogens on some behavioral patterns of ticks as their vectors, which may significantly increase the probability of pathogen transmission.
Insights
Rickettsia infection increases the activity of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. This heightened tick mobility may enhance the transmission of tick-borne diseases to hosts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Pathogen-Vector Interactions
- Disease Ecology
Background:
- Tick-borne diseases pose a growing global health threat.
- Understanding pathogen-vector-host dynamics is crucial for disease control.
- Vector behavior significantly influences pathogen transmission efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral changes in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks infected with Rickettsia spp.
- To determine if Rickettsia infection impacts tick locomotion and environmental preferences.
- To assess the implications of altered tick behavior on disease transmission probability.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral analysis of 88 Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (36.36% Rickettsia positive).
- Utilized novel behavioral apparatuses: multi-rod arena (MA) and light/dark test (LDT).
- Employed a Smart video-tracking system for precise behavioral evaluation.
Main Results:
- Ticks predominantly explored the center of the MA but preferred the periphery for questing/resting.
- Ticks favored elevated positions on rods and preferred the light in the LDT.
- Rickettsia-infected ticks exhibited significantly higher locomotor activity and longer trajectories.
Conclusions:
- Pathogen infection can alter key behavioral patterns in tick vectors.
- Increased tick mobility driven by Rickettsia infection may elevate disease transmission risk.
- Further research into pathogen-induced behavioral modifications is warranted for effective disease management.
