Study of the non-parasitic stage in Ixodes ricinus after co-feeding with Dermacentor reticulatus in three infestations

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2017 Mar 22;24(1):90-95. doi: 10.5604/12321966.1234005.

Abstract

It was proved that transmission of some pathogens may occur between infected and uninfected ticks co-feeding on a host in the absence of systemic infection. The effect was studied of co-feeding of two different tick species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus on the course of the non-parasitic stage. Species chosen for the experiment may share their habitats and co-infest animals in nature. In the course of the study the process of egg maturation, oviposition and larval hatching were investigated. In order to estimate if co-feeding influence can counteract host immunity, three subsequent infestations of rabbits were analyzed. Mono-specific groups values of such a parameters as egg amount, number of eggs per 1 mg of female engorgement weight, female oviposition weight loss, hatching success were higher in inter-specific groups were compared. The results indicate that co-feeding with other tick species may partially reduce the influence of host resistance in subsequent infestation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight
  • Dermacentor / growth & development
  • Dermacentor / physiology*
  • Female
  • Ixodes / growth & development
  • Ixodes / physiology*
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Oviposition
  • Rabbits
  • Tick Infestations / parasitology*