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Ecology of parasite-vector interactions pp 141–154Cite as

Tick – Borrelia interactions: burden or benefit?

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Part of the book series: Ecology and control of vector-borne diseases ((ECVD,volume 3))

Abstract

A key factor in the success of parasites is the ability to move between hosts. Some parasites make use of an intermediate arthropod host to move between their primary hosts. Several examples exist where such parasites manipulate their intermediate host to enhance their transmission, but examples for ticks are scarce. In this chapter, we describe how Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, is associated with changes in the behaviour, physiology and survival of Ixodes ticks. Such changes can lead to more effective host finding for the tick and better colonisation of new hosts by Borrelia. We discuss how these changes may lead to an increased transmission (risk) of Borrelia. A next-generation matrix approach is applied to model potential effects of increased tick survival on the basic reproduction number R 0 of Borrelia. Using this approach, we show that Borrelia-associated increased survival of ticks can have a profound effect on the circulation of spirochaetes, and hence on Lyme borreliosis risk. Future studies would ideally resolve the mechanisms behind the described changes, and establish experimentally whether Borrelia can enhance its circulation between hosts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands

    Fedor Gassner

  2. Georges Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Bâtiment Marc de Hemptinne, 2 Chemin du Cyclotron, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

    Nienke Hartemink

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  1. Fedor Gassner
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  2. Nienke Hartemink
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Correspondence to Fedor Gassner .

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Gassner, F., Hartemink, N. (2013). Tick – Borrelia interactions: burden or benefit?. In: Ecology of parasite-vector interactions. Ecology and control of vector-borne diseases, vol 3. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-744-8_7

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