Use of genetic markers to determine change in population structure of deer ticks in Wisconsin (570.2)

Abstract

During the early 2000’s, tick infection rates in the endemic Northwest and nonendemic Central areas of WI were 36% and 4%, respectively, for Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease pathogen. In 2004, Borrelia populations and deer ticks populations were both found distinct among Northwest WI, Central WI, and Northeast WI, with very little gene flow among them. However, in 2013, Borrelia abundance has increased with 44% infection rate in Central WI. Possible cause for increased prevalence may be due to increased tick abundance and increased gene flow from high to low endemic regions in the state. The use of 16S mtDNA sequences was used to assess the current population structure of deer ticks in Northern Wisconsin. In 2013, tick 16S haplotypes were identified from Northwest WI, Central WI, and Northeast WI and the distribution of haplotypes among the study sites were determined. Several unique haplotypes found only in Northwest WI from 1999 are now found in Central WI. Phi statistical estimates may reveal ticks as being one population between the Northeast and Central WI, due to an increase in gene flow. This may be the possible cause of increased incidences of tick‐borne disease in Wisconsin. The study may also be informative for medical professionals in Wisconsin.Grant Funding Source: Supported by UWSP College of Letters and Science