Observing the prevalence of Wolbachia found in tick species from the central Virginia 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. Arthropod hosts that possess Wolbachia can have their reproduction negatively impacted through methods such as Parthenogenesis, Male Killing, Feminization, and Cytoplasmic Incompatibility. Currently, there are efforts to decrease mosquito populations by utilizing Wolbachia, which have shown effectiveness, but there is need for further research examining how this bacteria could decrease 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 tick DNA (CO1), microbial DNA (16s rRNA), and potential Wolbachia DNA (WSPEC) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Lastly, 1.7% agarose gels were used to perform gel electrophoresis on amplified CO1, 16s rRNA, and WSPEC DNA. Through the amplification of CO1, 16s rRNA, and WSPEC, results demonstrated that Wolbachia was unable to be detected in the Central VA ticks. The observed results better highlight the relationship between Wolbachia infection rate and tick species. Additionally, success in the optimization of tick DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis is important for future research testing for Wolbachia 1 infection in ticks. Lastly, success in extracting tick larvae DNA is useful for further Wolbachia-infection testing within tick larvae as well. Further research is needed to determine the possible application of Wolbachia to reduce tick populations.