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Interactions between hard ticks (Ixodidae) and bacterial tick-borne pathogens

Dorota Kiewra1, Alicja Krysmann1

  • 1Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland

Annals of Parasitology
|September 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Tick-borne pathogens (TBP) significantly alter tick behavior and physiology. These bacterial infections impact gene expression, influencing host interactions and survival strategies in ticks.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Entomology
  • Medical Entomology
  • Pathogen-Host Interactions

Background:

  • Ticks are significant vectors of tick-borne pathogens (TBP) in Europe, affecting humans and domestic animals.
  • Understanding TBP-tick interactions is crucial for public health and veterinary medicine.
  • This review focuses on medically and veterinary significant bacterial pathogens: Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma spp., and Rickettsia spp.

Approach:

  • Review of current literature on the interactions between hard ticks and specific bacterial pathogens.
  • Analysis of how TBP infection impacts tick gene expression, behavior, and physiology.
  • Examination of effects on tick salivary proteins and midgut receptors.

Key Points:

  • Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. infection alters tick behavior, promoting longer questing and increased mobility.
  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum enhances tick survival in low temperatures by upregulating antifreeze glycoprotein (IAFGP) expression.
  • Rickettsia spp. infection increases tick attraction to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields.

Conclusions:

  • Tick-borne bacterial pathogens exert profound influences on tick biology, including behavior and survival mechanisms.
  • These pathogen-induced changes in ticks have implications for disease transmission dynamics.
  • Further research into these complex interactions is warranted for effective vector control and disease prevention.

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