Feeding of adult Ornithodoros tartakovskyi ticks using a modified artificial membrane feeding system

• Published in: Medical and veterinary entomology Vol. 34; no. 1; pp. 123 - 126
• Main Authors: Lewis, C. E., Bartholomay, L. C., Blanchong, J. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2020; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: arthropod biocontainment; artificial feeding; Blood meals; Colonies; Engorgement; Feeding apparatus; in vitro; Laboratory animals; Ornithodoros tartakovskyi; ticks; Ornithodoros tartakovskyi; arthropod biocontainment; artificial feeding; ticks; in vitro
• ISSN: 0269-283X; 1365-2915
• DOI: 10.1111/mve.12398

Development and maintenance of laboratory tick colonies provides reliable access to a variety of tick species at multiple life stages. Advances in techniques for the membrane feeding of ticks reduce the number of laboratory animals needed for colony maintenance. In the present study, modifications to the existing protocol for in vitro feeding of the argasid species Ornithodoros tartakovskyi were made. Adult O. tartakovskyi ticks of both sexes were allowed to feed to engorgement using a novel membrane feeding apparatus in a six‐well plate format with well‐inserts of laboratory‐grade, wax sealing film. Of the 193 ticks placed on the membrane, 89% (n = 172) fed until engorgement and subsequently detached. The modified feeding method described will aid in future laboratory tick‐based research because it allows for increased containment, ease of sorting, successful in vitro feeding, easy replacement of blood meals and a reduction in the total volume of blood meal required. A novel feeding apparatus using laboratory plate inserts and Parafilm M™ membranes was developed that allows for the successful feeding of adult Ornithodoros tartakovskyi ticks. In vitro feeding methods provide numerous advantages for research involving tick biology, acaricides and tick‐borne pathogens. The feeding apparatus allows for conservation and reuse of materials, the controlled dosing of blood meal components, and feeding visualization, which should facilitate the evaluation of methods for preventing tick attachment.