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Updated: Jun 22, 2025
07:21
Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: August 25, 2018
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Spatially limited pathogen pollution in an invasive tick and host system
Carrie E De Jesus1, Madison E A Harman1, Amber Sutton1
1Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA.
Biological Invasions
|July 1, 2024
Summary
Invasive cane toads introduced the exotic tick Amblyomma rotundatum and Rickettsia bellii pathogen to Florida. However, tick dispersal was limited by the invasive host species, indicating a complex invasion dynamic.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Invasive Species Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Global commerce increases the risk of pathogen pollution through invasive species.
- Cane toads (Rhinella horribilis) have been introduced to Florida, potentially carrying invasive ticks like Amblyomma rotundatum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if tick infestations on cane toads decrease at the distribution's periphery.
- To determine if invasive ticks in Florida carry exotic pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Sampling cane toads from 10 Florida populations.
- Collecting and testing ticks and toad tissues for Rickettsia bacteria.
- Analyzing tick-host associations and pathogen origins.
Main Results:
- Three of ten populations showed tick infestations, concentrated in core distribution areas.
- Rickettsia bellii was confirmed in ticks, but not in toad tissues.
- Host-tick associations suggested the pathogen was exotic to Florida, despite unclear geographic origins.
Conclusions:
- Invasive cane toads facilitated the introduction of an invasive tick and an exotic pathogen to Florida.
- The invasive tick species demonstrated limited dispersal capabilities on its invasive host.
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