Population biology of Ixodes ticks

摘要: The hard tick Ixodes ricinus is one of the most important species disease vectors worldwide. It transmits a variety pathogens, including spirochaetes that are causative agent Lyme borreliosis (LB) in humans. This study aimed at analysing different aspects ecology, molecular evolution, and microbial associations I. ricinus. A novel scheme for phylogenetic analysis genotyping was established as part this study. Phylogeographic clustering samples fromdifferent European countries observed, while from two sites inSouthwest England did not show spatial differentiation. ecology host abundance these habitats assessed. Differences density questing ticks rodent hosts were observed. Both exhibited low densities rodents infesting them. blood meal revealed high proportions mixed feedings showed artiodactyls to be main group immature Britain. prevalence rates Wolbachia endobacteria British higher than found other countries. unique endosymbiont Midichloria detected all female screened. newly developed multi gene six largely coordinated phylogeography with their hosts. Taken together, findings thesis demonstrate differ counterparts several ways, which has implications epidemiology infectious diseases transmitted by vector.