Observing the Prevalence of Wolbachia Found in Tick Species from the Central VA Region

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.