Validation of newly synthesized sex-determining PCR using immature Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks

The ability to determine the sex of tick nymphs has the potential to answer questions concerning tick biology and pathogen ecology. A duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that was recently developed for sex determination in adult Ixodes scapularis Say ticks was used to test whether the method could be applied to determine the sex of unfed I. scapularis larvae and nymphs. We found that the duplex PCR could be used to determine the sex of immature ticks and could also be used on small tissue segments from live nymphs.