Tick Interactions
Utpal Pal and Erol Fikrig
from: Borrelia: Molecular Biology, Host Interaction and Pathogenesis (Edited by: D. Scott Samuels and Justin D. Radolf). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2010)
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease in a variety of animals and humans. The spirochete is maintained in an enzootic cycle that primarily involves small mammals and Ixodes spp. ticks. In the Northeastern United States, I. scapularis is the main vector. As only I. scapularis and closely related ticks transmit B. burgdorferi, the spirochete-tick interactions are thought to be highly specific. Several spirochete and tick proteins that directly or indirectly contribute to the natural cycle of B. burgdorferi infection have been identified. This chapter will focus on past discoveries and future challenges that are relevant to our understanding of B. burgdorferi-tick interactions and on the development of novel preventive measures that interfere with the B. burgdorferi life cycle read more ...
