Prevalence and Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in NymphalIxodes scapularis(Acari: Ixodidae) in Eastern National Parks

Abstract

Tick-borne pathogens transmitted by Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae), also known as the deer tick or blacklegged tick, are increasing in incidence and geographic distribution in the United States. We examined the risk of tick-borne disease exposure in 9 national parks across six Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States and the District of Columbia in 2014 and 2015. To assess the recreational risk to park visitors, we sampled for ticks along frequently used trails and calculated the density of I. scapularis nymphs (DON) and the density of infected nymphs (DIN). We determined the nymphal infection prevalence of I. scapularis with a suite of tick-borne pathogens including Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti. Ixodes scapularis nymphs were found in all national park units; DON ranged from 0.40 to 13.73 nymphs per 100 m2. Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, was found at all sites where I. scapularis was documented; DIN with B. burgdorferi ranged from 0.06 to 5.71 nymphs per 100 m2. Borrelia miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum were documented at 60% and 70% of the parks, respectively, while Ba. microti occurred at just 20% of the parks. Ixodes scapularis is well established across much of the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States, and our results are generally consistent with previous studies conducted near the areas we sampled. Newly established I. scapularis populations were documented in two locations: Washington, D.C. (Rock Creek Park) and Greene County, Virginia (Shenandoah National Park). This research demonstrates the potential risk of tick-borne pathogen exposure in national parks and can be used to educate park visitors about the importance of preventative actions to minimize tick exposure.

Ecology and Epidemiology of Tickborne Pathogens, Washington, USA, 2011–2016

“…Pathogen testing varied by laboratory and over time; groups of ticks were tested by different laboratories for different pathogens. Testing of Ixodes and Dermacentor ticks followed each laboratory's protocols (33,(41)(42)(43)…”

Inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels mediate salivary gland function and blood feeding in the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum

“…For example, rickettsial diseases are steadily increasing within the Americas [11] and further, recent studies have shown that the most predominant human biting tick, Amblyomma americanum , is capable of acquiring, maintaining, and transmitting Rickettsia rickettsii [12]. The steady increase in tick populations and pathogens [13], increased vector competency of human biting ticks for rickettsial diseases[12], and the movement toward an epidemic of tick-transmitted pathogens [14,15] highlights the significance of research aimed to identify novel mechanisms of control to curb the health and economic burden of ticks.…”

Enfermedad de Lyme: a propósito de un caso clínico importado

“…El principal vector es la ninfa de la garrapata de patas negras, Ixodes scapularis 23 . Su tamaño es tan pequeño, que muchas veces los pacientes no notan la mordedura, por lo que se debe educar a los visitantes de zonas endémicas sobre la importancia de las acciones preventivas como el uso de repelentes y ropa adecuada para así minimizar la exposición a garrapatas 24 . La distribución geográfica de esta enfermedad se limita al hemisferio norte.…”