Patterns of Midichloria infection in avian-borne African ticks and their trans-Saharan migratory hosts

• DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2669-z
• Publication Date: 2018-02-22T12:40:04Z
• Authors: Irene Di Lecce; Chiara Bazzocchi; Jacopo G. Cecere; Sara Epis; Davide Sassera; Barbara M. Villani; Gaia Bazzi; Agata Negri; Nicola Saino; Fernando Spina; Claudio Bandi; Diego Rubolini
• Keywords: Tick infestation; Blood meal; Obligate; Tick-borne disease

Ticks are obligate haematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrates and frequently parasitize avian species that can carry them across continents during their long-distance migrations. may have detrimental effects on the health state hosts, which be either directly caused by blood-draining or mediated microbial pathogens transmitted blood meal. Indeed, ticks host complex communities, including bacterial symbionts. Midichloria bacteria (Rickettsiales) widespread tick endosymbionts to vertebrate hosts bite, inducing an antibody response. Their actual role as infectious/pathogenic agents is, however, unclear. We screened for DNA African samples collected from trans-Saharan migratory songbirds at arrival in Europe spring migration. Tick infestation rate was 5.7%, with most belonging Hyalomma marginatum complex. Over 90% harboured monophylum associated ticks. detected 43% hosts. Tick-infested adult birds were significantly more likely test positive presence than non-infested adults second-year individuals, suggesting a long-term persistence these within parasitism delayed timing migration but had no significant body condition, whereas negatively affected fat deposits tick-infested Our results show effectively transfer supporting hypothesis they infectious vertebrates. Bird infection enhances horizontal spread ectoparasite populations. Moreover, we showed non-independent migration, highlighting complexity interactions involving ticks, tick-borne bacteria.