Experimental infection of the bat tick Carios fonsecai (Acari: Ixodidae) with the rabies virus

Favoretto, Silvana Regina, Almeida, Marilene Fernandes de, Martorelli, Luzia Fatima Alves, Aires, Caroline Cotrin, Labruna, Marcelo Bahia, Kataoka, Ana Paula Arruda Geraldes, Campos, Angelica Cristine de Almeida, Sacramento, Debora Regina Veiga, Durigon, Edison Luiz, Koprowski, Hilary

Experimental infection of the bat tick Carios fonsecai (Acari: Ixodidae) with the rabies virus

AUTOR(ES)

Favoretto, Silvana Regina, Almeida, Marilene Fernandes de, Martorelli, Luzia Fatima Alves, Aires, Caroline Cotrin, Labruna, Marcelo Bahia, Kataoka, Ana Paula Arruda Geraldes, Campos, Angelica Cristine de Almeida, Sacramento, Debora Regina Veiga, Durigon, Edison Luiz, Koprowski, Hilary

FONTE

Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop.

DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2013-12

RESUMO

Introduction This study assessed the viability of the rabies virus in the argasid tick Carios fonsecai following experimental infection. Methods The mouse inoculation test (MIT), fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used. The rabies virus was administered to ticks via the intra-coelomic route, and the ticks were sacrificed at different time points. Results The inoculated ticks were negative for rabies according to the MIT. Ticks macerated with rabies virus were positive according to the MIT and FAT. All of the tick lots tested by PCR were positive. Conclusions The rabies virus became unviable shortly after its inoculation into tick bodies. Ticks are not likely to play an important role in the epidemiology of rabies.