The possible role of ticks as vectors of leptospirae: I. Transmission of Leptospira pomona by the argasid tick, Ornithodoros turicata, and the persistance of this organism in its tissues

Abstract

1. 1. Adult and nymphal Ornithodoros turicata that had fed on hamsters or air-sacs of embryonated chicken eggs infected with Leptospira pomona transmitted leptospirae to guinea pigs in 15 of 35 transmission experiments. 2. 2. After an infectious blood meal, leptospirae penetrate the gut wall into the hemocele of the tick; here multiplication occurs and infection extends to the salivary glands, central ganglion, coxal organs, and tissues of the excretory and genital systems. 3. 3. Leptospirae were also found in developing egg follicles but no evidence of transovarial transmission was obtained. The coxal fluids of infected ticks regularly contained large quantities of L. pomona. 4. 4. The ability of the argasid tick, O. turicata, to preserve and transmit L. pomona for a period of at least 518 and 232 days, respectively, suggests that this species of tick may serve as a vector of leptospirosis in nature.