A Survey of Acari Species and the found Prevalence of Medically Relevant Ixodes sp. in College Station, Texas

Authors

  • Alyssa N Henderson Texas A&M University
  • Brittany Gutierrez
  • Austin Hurst
  • Kade Keener
  • Christina Larrosa
  • Nick Richter
  • Eric Smith
  • Audrey Stedman

Abstract

Within the Acari species, there are a number of specimens known to spread diseases of medical importance. Of the two most common tick spread diseases found in Texas, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi,  has a higher number of incidents and therefore is the focus of the survey. This disease is known to have detrimental effects on the nervous system and heart in humans. Two species are known for being prominent vectors of Lyme disease, Ixodes scapularis, and Ixodes pacificus. Of these two ticks, I. scapularis is a common tick found in Texas and is the primary tick to identify. A survey of ticks obtained from local animal shelters was performed and 29 species were identified. I. scapularis had the highest rate of identification. Due to the high amounts of I. scapularis in the survey, actions can be taken by the community to prevent future outbreaks of Lyme Disease in the College Station and Bryan areas.

Keywords: Ticks, Lyme disease, Ixodes scapularis, disease, vector, survey

Author Biography

Alyssa N Henderson, Texas A&M University

Entomology 423 Student at Texas A&M University

Published

2022-01-27