Molecular Detection for Zoonotic Bacteria from Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Georgia, USA
Location
Nessmith-Lane Atrium
Session Format
Poster Presentation
Research Area Topic:
MBI - Molecular Biology Initiative
Abstract
Ixodidae ticks are principle transmission vectors for numerous pathogenic agents. The presence of ticks in Georgia represents a potential threat to both human and animal health. The purpose of this study is to screen ticks for bacteria that causes Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsiosis, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Lyme Borreliosis. This will provide information on the distribution of these pathogens in ticks from four collection sites in Georgia. Total nucleic acids are extracted from individual ticks of Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus collected from naturally infested animals. Detection of pathogens using PCR targeted specific gene fragments for Rickettsia spp (16S rDNA and gltA), Anaplasma spp (16S rDNA), Ehrlichia spp (16S rDNA), and Borrelia spp (16S rDNA and flaB) are performed. Positive PCR products are then sequenced for confirmation. Prevalence of each pathogen will be calculated. Our prediction is that all tick species will carry low frequency of at least one or more pathogen. Investigation of occurrences of Rickettisa spp, Anaplasma spp, Ehrlichia spp, and Borrelia spp in ticks will contribute important information in regards to monitoring trends and patterns for these disease-causing agents in Georgia.
Presentation Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Start Date
4-16-2016 10:45 AM
End Date
4-16-2016 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Duong, Sarah, "Molecular Detection for Zoonotic Bacteria from Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Georgia, USA" (2016). GS4 Georgia Southern Student Scholars Symposium. 146.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2016/2016/146
Molecular Detection for Zoonotic Bacteria from Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Georgia, USA
Nessmith-Lane Atrium
Ixodidae ticks are principle transmission vectors for numerous pathogenic agents. The presence of ticks in Georgia represents a potential threat to both human and animal health. The purpose of this study is to screen ticks for bacteria that causes Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsiosis, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Lyme Borreliosis. This will provide information on the distribution of these pathogens in ticks from four collection sites in Georgia. Total nucleic acids are extracted from individual ticks of Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus collected from naturally infested animals. Detection of pathogens using PCR targeted specific gene fragments for Rickettsia spp (16S rDNA and gltA), Anaplasma spp (16S rDNA), Ehrlichia spp (16S rDNA), and Borrelia spp (16S rDNA and flaB) are performed. Positive PCR products are then sequenced for confirmation. Prevalence of each pathogen will be calculated. Our prediction is that all tick species will carry low frequency of at least one or more pathogen. Investigation of occurrences of Rickettisa spp, Anaplasma spp, Ehrlichia spp, and Borrelia spp in ticks will contribute important information in regards to monitoring trends and patterns for these disease-causing agents in Georgia.
