Localization of Coxiella burneti and rickettsiae of the Rocky Mountain spotted fever group in ticks
Zupancicovå-Majerska, M.; Rehåcek, J.; Kovåcovå, E.
Acta Virologica 16(1): 63-70
1972
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-723X PMID: 4110513 Document Number: 55254
The distribution of Coxiella burneti in the haemolymph and organs of males of Hyalomma dromedarii Koch resulting from parenterally infected nymphs was investigated. Generalized infection, with a prevalence of parasites in the haemolymph and connective tissue, was observed. The other organs tested contained fewer rickettsiae, with the least in the Malpighian tubes and salivary glands. In males and females of Dermacentor marginatus (Sulz.) that were naturally infected with rickettsiae of the Rocky Mountain spotted fever group, a generalised infection was found, with rickettsiae present in all organs tested. In males, most rickettsiae occurred in the haemolymph, gut, Malpighian tubes and nerve ganglia; in females, most rickettsiae were found in the haemolymph, connective tissue and Malpighian tubes. Half-engorged females of D. marginatus contained more rickettsiae than unengorged ones; many rickettsiae were found in the haemolymph, connective tissue, gut, Malpighian tubes and ovaries, and fewer in the salivary glands and nerve ganglia. Half-engorged females occasionally contained rickettsiae of great polymorphism in the ovaries, but not in the haemolymph or other organs. These rickettsiae were shown to belong to the group of Rocky Mountain spotted fever by fluorescent antibody tests.