Peculiarities of behaviour of taiga (Ixodes persulcatus) and sheep (Ixodes ricinus) ticks (Acarina: Ixodidae) determined by different methods

A comparison of the behavioural peculiarities of Ixodes persulcatus Schulze, 1930 (north-western population, Russia) and Ixodes ricinus (L., 1758) from western Russia and Denmark was determined by using two methods. Method 1 involved a sojourn of ticks on vertical plastic sticks and showed that the questing behaviour of I. ricinus nymphs was dependent on temperature and relative humidity (RH). A significantly greater number of nymphs quested at 22 degrees C and 100% RH than at 18 degrees C. When the humidity was reduced to 30% all of the nymphs departed. In the second method, the activity of ticks on an inclined "ticksdrome" was estimated. The activity of I. ricinus adults from the Danish population was 1.2 times greater than that of ticks from Russia. Females of the species studied and specimens from all study areas were more active than all other stages of development. The locomotor activity of both adult and immature I. ricinus that were infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was suppressed when compared with uninfected specimens. The locomotor activity of I. persulcatus females infected by borreliae with exoskeleton anomalies was 1.3 times greater (P<0.05) than that of infected ticks without anomalies. Our data showed that infected females with exoskeleton anomalies could crawl faster on a human and reach uncovered parts of the body that are vulnerable for attachment and feeding. A study of locomotor activity and questing behaviour may be useful for comparing the risk for different tick species and populations to transmit tick-borne pathogens.     

Prevalence of borreliae in Ixodes ricinus ticks from southern Moravia, Czechoslovakia

A total of 378 adult Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected by flagging vegetation in four localities of two districts (Breclav, Znojmo) in south Moravia and examined microscopically. Borreliae were identified in Giemsa-stained midgut smears from 32 (i.e. 8.5%) ticks (9.4% females, 7.2% males); the infection rate varied between 0.0 and 11.4% in the four localities examined. Among female ticks, significantly more were found to be infected in autumn (19.7%) than in spring (5.8%). Dark-field (DF) and Giemsa-stained smears (GS) examinations were compared for their sensitivity in detecting borreliae in 128 field-collected ticks; GS method showed a little higher sensitivity (11.7% ticks were positive) than DF procedure (9.4% ticks positive). Two strains of Borrelia burgdorferi were isolated from a total of 150 adult I. ricinus ticks cultured in BSK medium.     

Ixodid ticks of Barun Glacier region (the Nepal Himalaya)

During the 3rd Czechoslovak mountaineering expedition to the Himalaya in the spring 1973 ticks of the family Ixodidae were collected from small mammals and additionally from pastured sheep, and humans. The tick material represented the following species: Ixodes (P.) ovatus Neumann, 1899, Ixodes (I.) acutitarsus (Karsch, 1880) and Haemaphysalis (A.) aponommoides Warburton, 1921. Ecological and zoogeographical characteristics of the ticks found are given and their potential medical importance is discussed.     

The prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes persulcatus and I. ricinus ticks in the zone of their sympatry

A total of 7210 unfed adult Ixodes persulcatus Schulze, 1930 and I. ricinus (L., 1758) ticks were collected from the vegetation by flagging in 35 study sites located in the zone of their sympatry (mainly in Leningrad region, Russia). Borrelia infection in ticks was estimated by the dark-field microscopic analysis of gut contents in standard vital preparations at a magnification of x600. No correlation was revealed between the series of parameters characterising the abundance of each tick species (tau = -0.13) and between the series of these parameters and the prevalence of Borrelia in each vector. It is concluded that in the broad zone of I. persulcatus and I. ricinus sympatry, the presence and proportion of one vector in the ecosystem does not have any significant effect on the extensity of infection and on the epizootic and epidemic significance of the other vector. Each tick species has its independent (of the other species) and relatively original functional role in the focal ecosystem.     

Population variability of some quantitative characters in Argas polonicus larvae (Acarina: Argasidae)

The nature of variability of quantitative morphometrical characters was studied in larvae of two local populations of Argas (Argas) polonicus Siuda, Hoogstraal, Clifford et Wassef, 1979 collected in Czechoslovakia and Poland. Statistically significant differences in five quantitative characters studied, in which the larvae of both wild populations differed from one another, disappeared during three generations of laboratory rearing. The variability of these characters was lower in laboratory populations than in field collected ticks. The results of hybridization experiments and analysis of variability of larvae of individual populations and parental pairs suggest that rather adaptive than genetic variation is involved. The genetic component of the variation is inferior and is expressed probably by dominant relations between alleles of the same locus, or by different types of non-allelic interactions.     

Francisella tularensis from ixodid ticks in Czechoslovakia

A total of 26,478 ixodid ticks (935 pools) were examined by intracerebral inoculation of suckling mice. Six species of ticks were tested: Ixodes ricinus (23,470 individuals), I. trianguliceps (12), Haemaphysalis punctata (831), H. concinna (39), Dermacentor reticulatus (69) and D. marginatus (2,057). The ticks were collected largely by flagging vegetation, a substantial minority (4%) from animals. Three strains of Francisella tularensis were isolated, one each from I. ricinus (males, district Breclav, southern Moravia), D. reticulatus (males, district Breclav) and D. marginatus (engorged females collected from sheep in Roznava district, eastern Slovakia). D. marginatus and D. reticulatus represent new vector species for Czechoslovakia.     

Modulation of human lymphocyte proliferation by salivary gland extracts of ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae): effect of feeding stage and sex

Ixodid ticks remain attached to their hosts for several days to weeks. During this extended feeding process new proteins involved in the modulation of host immune responses are expressed in tick salivary glands. In our study a stimulatory or inhibitory effect of salivary gland extracts (SGE) of unfed and partially fed female Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758), female and male Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius, 1794) and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann, 1901 ticks on human lymphocyte proliferation induced by Concanavalin A (ConA) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), respectively, was investigated. SGE of all female ticks examined suppressed proliferation of ConA-induced lymphocytes; highly significant suppression was observed in the presence of unfed I. ricinus and 9-day fed A. variegatum SGE. SGE of partially fed A. variegatum and I. ricinus females suppressed PHA responses of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes showed reduced PHA and ConA responses in the presence of SGE of unfed and 2-day fed R. appendiculatus females, while SGE of 6-day fed females enhanced PHA responses, but reduced their ConA responses; generally SGE of 2-day fed females displayed the strongest inhibition. Amblyomma variegatum male SGE slightly enhanced PHA, but significantly reduced ConA responses of lymphocytes and their inhibitory effect increased during feeding. SGE of unfed and 2-day fed R. appendiculatus males enhanced PHA and ConA responses and those of 6-day fed males suppressed lymphocyte proliferation. The results suggest that (i) species- and sex-specific differences exist in the effects of tick salivary gland antigens on human lymphocyte proliferation and (ii) effect of SGE on human lymphocyte responses to mitogens varies depending on the tick feeding status.     

The activity of Aspergillus ochraceus (fungi) on replete females of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) in natural and experimental conditions

Aspergillus ochraceus Wilhelm was isolated from Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) ticks infected under natural conditions, and developing an illness characterized by absence of oviposition, mummification and death. From the histological sections, it is deduced that A. ochraceus colonized the ticks via the anus, as posterior gut and Malpighian tubules are invaded. The experimental inoculation was carried out on replete female ticks; a disease alike to that observed in naturally infected ticks developed only when specimens are placed under a relative humidity near saturation.     

Acaricides Against Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) on Holstein Cattle in Trinidad

Abstract

Small scale field trials were conducted to compare toxicity and residual activity on Holstein cattle of seven acaricides against Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) in Trinidad. Tick populations were assessed before and after a single spraying at which the makers' recommended dilutions of acaricides were used. The effects were examined on a basis of a) initial kill of immature ticks, b) effects on the viability of engorged females, c) residual effect in preventing larval reattachment.

Dioxathion had the longest residual activity of seven days. Chlorfenvinphos had an initial quick kill and short residual action similar to carbaryl. Ethion and chlorpyrifos were considered as equivalent to dioxathion except for a shorter residual activity. Both crotoxyphos and pyrimithate, although effective against immature ticks, did not show equivalent activity against engorged females. Chlorfenvinphos and dioxathion were considered the best alternatives to carbaryl in Trinidad. The need to relate choice of acaricide to cost effectiveness as well as technical efficiency was emphasised. The possible usefulness of the trial to other Caribbean islands is mentioned.     

Experimental infection of ticks Ixodes ricinus with tick-borne encephalitis virus under different microclimatic conditions

The influence of environmental temperature and relative air humidity on the development of ticks Ixodes ricinus and their infection rate with tick-borne encephalitis virus was studied. It was found that the temperature influenced significantly the development of ticks, but it did not influence their infection rate. To the contrary, the relative air humidity influenced the infection rate. It is assumed that the intrinsic factors play a primary role in the infection of ticks, while extrinsic factors have a secondary role; they are probably important at border values only.     

Effects of permethrin and amitraz on gas exchange and water loss in unfed adult females of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae)

Effects of two acaricides, permethrin and amitraz, with different modes of action, on gas exchange and water balance of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, were examined using a flow-through carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapor analyzer. Untreated adult female ticks exhibited a distinct discontinuous gas exchange pattern (DGEP) with no measurable water loss. Similarly, ticks with acetone (a solvent) showed little change in gas exchange and water loss. Topical treatment of ticks with a lethal dose of permethrin caused immediate major water loss and long-lasting high frequency DGEP, with increased amplitude of CO₂ release. A small water loss spike was observed for each CO₂ release. Treatment of ticks with amitraz abolished the DGEP and elicited a long-lasting continuous gas exchange pattern, indicating significantly increased tick metabolism. No detectable water loss was observed during amitraz-elicited continuous gas exchange. Treatment of ticks with a mixture of sub-lethal doses of permethrin and amitraz caused a similar initial major water loss, as in permethrin-treated ticks, followed by a second period of water loss activity at 10–14 h after treatment. Mixture of the two acaricides caused immediate onset of major chaotic CO₂ release activities with a significantly elevated baseline CO₂ emission level. The standard metabolism rate (SMR, VCO₂) of acetone-treated ticks (0.452 μl h⁻¹) was similar to that of the untreated ticks (0.461 μl h⁻¹). Compared to untreated control ticks, permethrin-, amitraz-, and the acaricide mixture-treated ticks exhibited significantly increased SMR (1.054, 1.392 and 1.520 μl h⁻¹ respectively (P < 0.05). Results obtained from this study clearly demonstrated the detrimental effects of permethrin and amitraz on CO₂ gas exchange and water balance in A. americanum ticks. The data also revealed subtle differences between permethrin and amitraz in their effects on tick metabolism, specifically gas exchange and water loss. In addition, the study may provide insight into the modes of action of these two acaricides in tick physiology. The results may also help understand the mechanism of synergism between permethrin and amitraz that was reported previously in other ticks and insects.     

A standardised in vivo and in vitro test method for evaluating tick repellents

The threat of transmission of Lyme borelliosis and tick-borne encephalitis by ixodid ticks has resulted in an increasing number of tick repellents coming onto the market. To allow proper evaluation of the efficacy of different types of compounds and their formulations, there is a need for standardised methods for testing ticks repellents. Ticks show a marked negative geotactic response following contact with a potential host, i.e., they climb up in order to locate attachment and feeding sites, whereas exposing ticks to repellents induces positive geotaxis, i.e., ticks walk downwards or drop off the treated host or substrate. We describe here complementary tests that employ these geotactic responses to evaluate repellents: one in vitro on a warm glass plate and the other on the lower human leg (shin). The compounds tested were DEET, EBAAP, icaridin, capric acid, lauric acid, geraniol, citriodiol, citronella essential oil and lavender essential oil, all non-proprietary ingredients of widely distributed tick repellent formulations.     

Probability models of the rate of infection with tick-borne encephalitis virus in Ixodes persulcatus ticks.

A total of 3,254 adults of Ixodes persulcatus tick were collected in a taiga forest habitat situated in the Amgun river basin (Khabarovsk region, the Far East, USSR) and examined individually for the presence and amount of tick-borne encephalitis virus. The over-all proportion of infected ticks was 6.6% and it varied between 3.4% and 9.4% in the years 1982 to 1985. The amount of virus per tick was approximated by the gamma distribution determining a probability that the number of plaque-forming units (PFU) per tick is not greater than a selected value. The frequency distribution of infected ticks followed a model of the negative binomial distribution, enabling the estimation of probability of the occurrence of a given number of infected ticks in the area. However, the parameters of both probability models (i.e., the PFU content per tick, and the frequency of infected ticks) varied for particular years.     

Studies on ticks of veterinary importance in Nigeria. VIII. Differences observed in the biology of ticks which fed on different domestic animal hosts

Ticks of the species Amblyomma variegatum (Fabr.), Boophilus decoloratus (Koch), Boophilus geigyi Aeschl. et Morel, and Hyalomma rufipes Koch were detached from cattle, sheep and horses and the influence of these various hosts on the biology of ticks was investigated. No A. variegatum was found in horses. The parameters studied were preoviposition and oviposition periods, ovipositional capacity, eclosion period, hatching patterns, egg sizes and temperature effect. Although the preoviposition and eclosion periods were similar in each tick species irrespective of the host from which the adults were detached, the oviposition period was longest among ticks detached from cattle and least among those detached from horses. The ticks engorged on cattle also laid the highest number of eggs and those which engorged on horses laid the least number. The hatching pattern of the eggs in any tick species was not influenced by the host from which the female was detached. The lengths of eggs of the ticks whose adults were detached from horses were generally smaller than those detached from cattle and sheep. Temperature affected the adult females detached from cattle, sheep and horses equally and this was also true of the larvae they produced. The practical field applications of these results are discussed.     

Effect of salivary gland extract from Ixodes ricinus ticks on the proliferation of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in vivo

Saliva-activated transmission (SAT) of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was demonstrated using real-time PCR and salivary gland extract (SGE) from partially fed Ixodes ricinus ticks. C3H/HeN mice were injected intradermally with 1.5 x 10(3) spirochetes mixed with 40 microg of SGE per mouse. The control group was inoculated with the same dose of spirochetes without SGE. The accelerating effect of SGE on spirochete proliferation was demonstrated on day 1 post infection, when a 4.2-fold increase in spirochetes was found in the skin and a 10-fold increase in the blood, compared with control mice. The data represent the first direct evidence of a SAT effect of I. ricinus SGE on infection with the Lyme disease agent B. burgdorferi.     

小麦禾谷胞囊线虫(Heterodera avenae)的核糖体基因(rDNA)限制性片段长度多态性研究

 采用PCR技术扩增出中国和摩洛哥禾谷胞囊线虫群体的核糖体基因(rDNA)的内转录间隔区(ITS)片段的长度约为1 060 bp。用11种限制性内切酶(RE)酶切禾谷胞囊线虫ITS扩增产物,共产生27个酶切片段。用AluI和RsaI酶切ITS扩增产物证明中国禾谷胞囊线虫ITS属于"B型",而摩洛哥禾谷胞囊线虫ITS属于"A型"。用HinfI酶切后,7个中国禾谷胞囊线虫群体产生2个RFLP片段(860和200 bp),而摩洛哥群体产生3个RFLP片段(520、340和200 bp),HinfI揭示出中国与摩洛哥禾谷胞囊线虫ITS之间存在差异。AvaI和HindⅢ不能酶切禾谷胞囊线虫ITS。用CfoI、Bsh1236I、MsrFI、ScrFI、HaeⅢ和MvaI 6种RE酶切中国和摩洛哥禾谷胞囊线虫群体的rDNA-ITS,均分别得到相同类型的RFLP分布型,因此这6种RE不能揭示中国与摩洛哥群体的rDNA-ITS的差异。     

Chemical control of cattle ticks—resistance problems

Chemical control, by dipping or spraying infested cattle with ixodicidal compounds, is the only practicable method of dealing with the cattle tick problem in the short term. Widespread exposure to ixodicidal compounds, often at subeffective concentrations, has resulted in the selection of resistant strains from tick populations. A situation has now been reached where cattle ticks in widely separated parts of the world have shown a capacity to develop resistance to most of the currently available chemical classes of ixodicide. There is a very real probability that these resistant strains will eventually replace susceptible tick populations, particularly in those areas where the cattle tick problem is already most acute. Research and development of new chemical groups of compounds with high ixodicidal activity and low mammalian toxicity is a matter of some urgency. In this review, the biological background of the tick problem is outlined. A brief history of the development of tick resistance to arsenic, organochlorine, organophosphorus and carbamate compounds is given. Reference is made to the underlying biochemical mechanisms involved. Some of the human factors affecting the development of tick resistance are examined and future prospects are assessed.     

New compounds active against resistant cattle ticks (Boophilus spp.): Relationship between structure and activity within the group of cyclic amidines

A series of cyclic amidines is described, many of which are highly active against resistant cattle ticks, Boophilus spp. The preferred compound is clenpyrin, 1-butyl-2-(3,4-dichlorphenylimino)pyrrolidine which paralyses the cattle ticks and inhibits their egg-production.     

Comparison of the protein profiles of salivary gland extracts derived from three species of unfed and partially fed ixodid ticks analysed by SDS-PAGE

Salivary gland extracts (SGE) from unfed and 5 days fed adult female Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758); Haemaphysalis inermis (Birula, 1895) and Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) ticks were prepared. The protein content after feeding increased by 10.6, 8.7 and 6.8 times, respectively. Extracts were equilibrated to the same protein content and submitted to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by computer analysis of the scanned gels. Relative differences in protein profiles of extracts obtained from unfed and partially fed ticks were found in all species and some of them were similar in all three species used in the study. Results demonstrate that the increase of the protein content in salivary glands during the feeding does not occur proportionally. Some proteins are synthesised preferentially (67.1 kDa, 13.5 kDa) but other bands (in range of 15-16 kDa) present in the SGE derived from unfed ticks are less discernible in that of fed ticks.     

Tick salivary gland extract-activated transmission of Borrelia afzelii spirochaetes

Saliva-activated transmission of Borrelia afzelii Canica, Nato, du Merle, Mazie, Baranton et Postic, 1993 was demonstrated using salivary gland extract (SGE) from Ixodes ricinus (L., 1758) ticks and C3H mice. Injection of Borrelia spirochaetes together with SGE increased the level of bacteraemia and accelerated the appearance of bacteria in the urinary bladder, compared with the injection of spirochaetes alone. More I. ricinus nymphs became infected when feeding on mice inoculated with B. afzelii plus SGE. Analysis of cytokines produced by cells of draining lymph nodes from SGE-treated mice showed a suppression of proinflammatory cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-6 and GM-CSF following a transient upregulation in comparison with the control mice infected without SGE.