The multiplication of Dugbe virus in the Ixodid tick, Hyalomma rufipes Koch, after experimental infection
Okorie, T.G.; Fabiyi, A.
Tropenmedizin und Parasitologie 30(4): 439-442
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0303-4208 PMID: 538818 Document Number: 147670
Nymphs and adults of Hyalomma marginatum rufipes Koch (H. rufipes) were inoculated intracoelomically with a Dugbe virus concentration containing 1.5 LD50s/0.02 ml. The virus multiplied to a peak titre of 9.3 log plus or minus 0.03 in nymphs and 4.4 log plus or minus 0.02 in the unfed adults. Virus infection persisted during metamorphosis and was passed on to the adults. A blood-meal significantly increased the titre of virus in adults, and the titre in engorged females was significantly higher than in fed males. Dugbe virus persisted for a long time in unfed adults, and a titre of 2.4 log plus or minus 0.06 was found in adults 165 days old. It has been reported that in Nigeria 67% of Dugbe virus isolates have been from Amblyomma variegatum (F.) picked from cattle, and less than 8% from Hyalomma spp. The present studies show, however, that the virus can multiply to a high titre in both nymphs and adults of Hyalomma.