Thesis
Effects of host resistance and Anaplamsa marginale infection on Dermacentor andersoni fecundity
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2013
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101988
Abstract
The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni) is an important ectoparasite of cattle in the western United States, where it is responsible for the transmission of several pathogens including Anaplasma marginale the economically important rickettsial pathogen of cattle. The effects of host variation on tick fitness are poorly understood, including the impact of host immune responses to tick infestation. The effects of host immune response and A. marginale infection on tick fecundity were examined. Ticks were fed on Holstein calves (4 months old) with 2 levels of tick-exposure (0 or 1 prior tick infestation) and 2 states of infection with A. marginale (uninfected and infected). The number of females ovipositing and the egg mass weights were lower on calves with prior tick exposure. Male survival was affected by tick age, but not host exposure. Larval hatching did not differ between host groups. The number of ovipositing females and egg mass weight was lower with A. marginale infection, however larval hatch increased. Understanding tick fitness relative to host immunity and A. marginale infection status will lead to a better understanding of tick population dynamics and vectorial capacity.
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Details
- Title
- Effects of host resistance and Anaplamsa marginale infection on Dermacentor andersoni fecundity
- Creators
- Ann Marie Vander Vliet
- Contributors
- Jeb P. Owen (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Entomology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525043601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis