Abstract
The hard tick Ixodes ricinus is an obligate hematophagous arthropod and the main vector for several zoonotic diseases. The life cycle of this three-host tick species was completed for the first time in vitro by feeding all consecutive life stages using an artificial tick feeding system (ATFS) on heparinized bovine blood supplemented with glucose, adenosine triphosphate, and gentamicin. Relevant physiological parameters were compared to ticks fed on cattle (in vivo). All in vitro feedings lasted significantly longer and the mean engorgement weight of F0 adults and F1 larvae and nymphs was significantly lower compared to ticks fed in vivo. The proportions of engorged ticks were significantly lower for in vitro fed adults and nymphs as well, but higher for in vitro fed larvae. F1-females fed on blood supplemented with vitamin B had a higher detachment proportion and engorgement weight compared to F1-females fed on blood without vitamin B, suggesting that vitamin B supplementation is essential in the artificial feeding of I. ricinus ticks previously exposed to gentamicin.
Highlights
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods and divided in three families: hard ticks (Ixodidae), soft ticks (Argasidae), and the monotypic Nuttalliellidae [1,2,3]
Four tick species belonging to the Ixodes ricinus species complex: I. ricinus, I. scapularis, I. pacificus, and I. persulcatus are of particular relevance as they may act as vectors for a number of zoonotic pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato
All consecutive life stages of the hard tick I. ricinus were fed by artificial feeding and compared to data collected from experimental I. ricinus infestations on cattle
Summary
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods and divided in three families: hard ticks (Ixodidae), soft ticks (Argasidae), and the monotypic Nuttalliellidae [1,2,3]. About ten percent of the approximately 900 known tick species are of medical or veterinary relevance and may cause direct damage due to their blood feeding habit, as well as indirect damage by acting as vectors for pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoan parasites [4,5]. Ixodes ricinus is a three-host tick species; all life stages (larvae, nymphs and adult females) require a blood meal from different hosts for their development. This tick species has an extraordinary broad host range on which it can feed, ranging from small mammals to livestock, birds, reptiles and humans [8,9]
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