The transmission dynamics of pathogens by Ixodes hexagonus ticks using an in vitro feeding system

Abstract

The principal objective of this study was to determine the transmission dynamics of pathogens by Ixodes hexagonus using an in vitro feeding system. Dermacentor reticulatus were used in the assay as a control group, in order to evaluate the environmental conditions in the in vitro feeding system. Unfortunately the attachment rates of I. hexagonus were very low. In an attempt to increase attachment rates different attachment stimuli were used. None of these increased the attachment rate significantly and no conclusions can be drawn on the preferences of I. hexagonus in an in vitro feeding system. Thirty I. hexagonus female ticks were used, 4 of them attached to the membrane and were tested for pathogens using PCR and RLB. No pathogens were detected, consequently no conclusions could be drawn on transmission. Further research is needed to optimize an in vitro feeding assay for I.hexagonus and to determine the transmission dynamics of pathogens by Ixodes hexagonus.