Observing the Prevalence of Wolbachia Found in Tick Species from the Central VA Region
Location
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Oral presentation
Start Date
4-16-2025 8:30 AM
End Date
4-16-2025 8:45 AM
School
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department
Biology
Keywords
Wolbachia, Ticks, Inhibition of Reproduction, Central Virginia, Pathogens, DNA, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Gel Electrophoresis, DNA Extraction, Bacteria
Abstract
Research has found that ticks are considered the second highest global vector of disease. Ticks can serve as a vector for pathogens such as Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease), Borrelia miyamotoi (B. miyamotoi disease) and Borrelia hermsii (tick-borne relapsing fever). Tick species such as Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog ticks), Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast ticks), Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star ticks), Ixodes scapulari (Black legged ticks), and Ixodes affinis can be found within the southeastern Virginia region. Ticks can also serve as a host for the endosymbiote Wolbachia. Hosts that possess Wolbachia can have their reproduction be negatively impacted through methods such as Parthenogenesis, Male Killing, Feminization, and Cytoplasmic Incompatibility. There are efforts in decreasing mosquito populations by utilizing Wolbachia. However, the method is in development. Currently, there is insufficient information and research regarding ticks and Wolbachia. The information regarding Wolbachia can be expanded upon for advancing the research involving decreasing tick populations. To better understand Wolbachia infection rates within ticks, a survey of the frequency of Wolbachia found in tick species within Central Virginia was performed. Ticks used in the study were collected from the central Virginia region. DNA extraction and isolation of each tick was performed, and then Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) on tick DNA (CO1) and potential Wolbachia DNA (WSPEC & 16s rRNA) were amplified. 1.7% agarose gels were used to perform gel electrophoresis on amplified CO1 and WSPEC DNA.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Erin Friedman
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Biology
Additional Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jamie Brooks Dr. Price Blair Professor Kimberly Geier
Rights Statement
The right to download or print any portion of this material is granted by the copyright owner only for personal or educational use. The author/creator retains all proprietary rights, including copyright ownership. Any editing, other reproduction or other use of this material by any means requires the express written permission of the copyright owner. Except as provided above, or for any other use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.), you may not reproduce, republish, post, transmit or distribute any material from this web site in any physical or digital form without the permission of the copyright owner of the material.
Observing the Prevalence of Wolbachia Found in Tick Species from the Central VA Region
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Research has found that ticks are considered the second highest global vector of disease. Ticks can serve as a vector for pathogens such as Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease), Borrelia miyamotoi (B. miyamotoi disease) and Borrelia hermsii (tick-borne relapsing fever). Tick species such as Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog ticks), Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast ticks), Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star ticks), Ixodes scapulari (Black legged ticks), and Ixodes affinis can be found within the southeastern Virginia region. Ticks can also serve as a host for the endosymbiote Wolbachia. Hosts that possess Wolbachia can have their reproduction be negatively impacted through methods such as Parthenogenesis, Male Killing, Feminization, and Cytoplasmic Incompatibility. There are efforts in decreasing mosquito populations by utilizing Wolbachia. However, the method is in development. Currently, there is insufficient information and research regarding ticks and Wolbachia. The information regarding Wolbachia can be expanded upon for advancing the research involving decreasing tick populations. To better understand Wolbachia infection rates within ticks, a survey of the frequency of Wolbachia found in tick species within Central Virginia was performed. Ticks used in the study were collected from the central Virginia region. DNA extraction and isolation of each tick was performed, and then Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) on tick DNA (CO1) and potential Wolbachia DNA (WSPEC & 16s rRNA) were amplified. 1.7% agarose gels were used to perform gel electrophoresis on amplified CO1 and WSPEC DNA.