Development of a mitochondrial 12S rDNA analysis for distinguishing Sciuridae species with potential to transmit Ehrlichia and Borrelia species to feeding Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae)

J Med Entomol. 2012 May;49(3):772-6. doi: 10.1603/me11203.

Abstract

Unique oligonucleotide probes were synthesized to distinguish among closely related vertebrate mitochondrial rDNA sequences present in residual bloodmeals in emergent Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymph life-stage ticks. Use of these probes enabled the identification of the Eastern gray squirrel as an important bloodmeal source in nymphs harboring Ehrlichia and Borrelia species. These results were confirmed by identifying these same bacterial genera in Eastern gray squirrel tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Borrelia
  • DNA, Ribosomal / blood*
  • Ehrlichia
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Ixodidae / chemistry*
  • Ixodidae / microbiology
  • Ixodidae / physiology
  • Nymph / chemistry
  • Nymph / microbiology
  • Nymph / physiology
  • RNA, Ribosomal / genetics
  • Sciuridae / genetics*
  • Sciuridae / microbiology
  • Sciuridae / parasitology

Substances

  • DNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, ribosomal, 12S