Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) amblus (Acarina: Ixodoidea: Argasidae): Identity, Marine Bird and Human Hosts, Virus Infections, and Distribution in Peru

Abstract

Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) amblus Chamberlin 1920, adults previously were described inadequately. Practically nothing was known regarding the identity, hosts, distribution, and biology of this species. We redescribe both sexes, describe the nymph and larva, and present criteria for differentiating these stages from those of other members of the O. (A.) capensis group in the Western Hemisphere. Samples were collected from 13 localities on the Pacific coast and on offshore islands of Peru. Hosts recorded are the Peruvian Brown Pelican, Peruvian Booby, Blue-footed Booby, Red-legged Cormorant, Guanay Cormorant, and Inca Tern. These birds are not long-distance migrants and more widely distributed species of the O. (A.) capensis group have not been found parasitizing them. The life cycle is characteristic of the O. (A.) capensis group; the first nymphal instar does or does not feed. Humans are attacked eagerly by O. (A.) amblus and suffer afterward from severe inflammation and "incredible" pruritus, and possibly from more severe illness. Viruses infecting this tick are Punta Salinas (Hughes serogroup, family unclassified) and Huacho (Reoviridae, genus Orbivirus, Kemerovo serogroup). Dense tick populations cause breeding birds to desert numerous nests; thus, O. (A.) amblus is economically important to the Peruvian guano industry. Certain spiders and lizards may prey on this tick.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea: Argasidae, Ixodidae) of Chile

“…in Isla Pan de Azucar (R II). Ornithodoros amblus has been also found in Peru´ (Clifford et al 1980). Biological differences among strains of O. amblus may indicate that more than one species is included under this name .…”

“…Guano birds abandon their nests due to infestations with O. amblus (Clifford et al 1980). Guglielmone et al (2003) reviewed records of bites by O. megnini, which can cause otitis or lead to secondary bacterial infections or screwworm invasion, as well as neurological disorders and muscle spasms in horses and diminished milk production in cows.…”

“…Argas neghmei may cause erythema, pruritus and skin discoloration, and O. amblus causes severe discomfort (Clifford et al 1980;Aguirre et al 1997). Otitis in humans due to infestation with O. megnini is common (Burchard et al 1984), and this tick may also play a role in the maintenance of Coxiella burneti (the causative agent of Q fever) in nature (Jellison et al 1948).…”

The sialotranscriptome of Antricola delacruzi female ticks is compatible with non-hematophagous behavior and an alternative source of food

“…Conversely, the sialotranscriptome of A. delacruzi females contains signature transcripts that are compatible with a food source consisting of iron- and chitin-rich bat guano and with defense against the biota that grows on it. Interestingly, the soft tick O. amblus is found on sea bird guano, but all developmental stages are hematophagous (Clifford CM, 1980). In conclusion, in terms of nourishment/energy for oviposition, bat guano is possibly nutritionally equivalent to blood and it seems to have influenced the physiological specialization of tick saliva.…”

Immature argasid ticks: diagnosis and keys for Neotropical region

“…**Larvae of O. coriaceus present two pairs of eyes (KLOMPEN;OLIVER, 1993). The diagnoses of larvae and nymphs were based on Cooley and Kohls (1944); Clifford et al (1964Clifford et al ( , 1980; Kohls et al (1965Kohls et al ( , 1969; Roberts (1970); De La Cruz (1974); Keirans et al (1980Keirans et al ( , 1984; Endris et al (1989);Venzal et al (2008Venzal et al ( , 2012Venzal et al ( , 2013a; Labruna et al (2008Labruna et al ( , 2011Labruna and Venzal (2009);Nava et al (2010Nava et al ( , 2013; Barros-Battesti et al (2011, 2012.…”