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Characterization of Dermacentor variabilis Molecules Associated with Rickettsial Infection
Author(s) -
MACALUSO KEVIN R.,
MULENGA ALBERT,
SIMSER JASON A.,
AZAD ABDU F.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1374.076
Subject(s) - dermacentor variabilis , biology , tick , proteases , vector (molecular biology) , rocky mountain spotted fever , pathogen , virulence , tick borne disease , microbiology and biotechnology , virology , ixodidae , genetics , biochemistry , gene , enzyme , recombinant dna
To ultimately define the virulence factors of rickettsiae, an understanding of the biology of the organism is essential. Comprehension of the pathogen–human interaction is critical to the development of control measures; and, in the case of vector‐borne diseases, the role of the vector in maintaining and transmitting pathogens to vertebrate hosts is crucial to ultimate control. Recent studies have identified tick molecules that are likely involved in the tick–rickettsiae interchange, including tick response to infection and possible molecules exploited by rickettsiae during transmission events. We have further characterized several tick‐derived molecules, including a histamine release factor, serine proteases, and lysozymes.