Microsatellite-Based Analysis of Amblyomma maculatum Genetic Connectivity across Southeastern Virginia
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Amblyomma maculatum, commonly known as the Gulf Coast tick, is an aggressive human-biting tick belonging to the hard tick family Ixodidae. Amblyomma maculatum is a vector for the bacterium Rickettsia parkeri, which causes R. parkeri rickettsiosis, the second most prevalent tick-borne spotted fever rickettsiosis in the Americas. The historical range of A. maculatum spans 240 km inland the Gulf of Mexico, but in the past 40 years A. maculatum has expanded up the East Coast into the Carolinas, Virginia, Delaware, New England, and Midwest states. High prevalence of R. parkeri in A. maculatum (>50%) has been found in expansion regions including Virginia compared to the historical region, where lower prevalence (A. maculatum expansion and help explain regional differences in pathogen prevalence. In this study, population genetics of A. maculatum in Southeastern Virginia was analyzed using microsatellite markers. Microsatellites are biparentally inherited short DNA repeat sequences that can be used for population genetics and parentage (relatedness) analysis. We have tested 14 published microsatellite markers for A. maculatum, successfully genotyping 96 ticks. We will analyze tick genotypes to observe allele frequencies and estimate genetic connectivity among A. maculatum populations. Population genetic study of A. maculatum will provide information about relationships between range expansion and prevalence of R. parkeri rickettsiosis.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
David Gauthier
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Biological Sciences
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Bioinformatics | Entomology | Molecular Genetics
Session Title
Poster Session
Location
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
Start Date
3-30-2024 8:30 AM
End Date
3-30-2024 10:00 AM
Microsatellite-Based Analysis of Amblyomma maculatum Genetic Connectivity across Southeastern Virginia
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
Amblyomma maculatum, commonly known as the Gulf Coast tick, is an aggressive human-biting tick belonging to the hard tick family Ixodidae. Amblyomma maculatum is a vector for the bacterium Rickettsia parkeri, which causes R. parkeri rickettsiosis, the second most prevalent tick-borne spotted fever rickettsiosis in the Americas. The historical range of A. maculatum spans 240 km inland the Gulf of Mexico, but in the past 40 years A. maculatum has expanded up the East Coast into the Carolinas, Virginia, Delaware, New England, and Midwest states. High prevalence of R. parkeri in A. maculatum (>50%) has been found in expansion regions including Virginia compared to the historical region, where lower prevalence (A. maculatum expansion and help explain regional differences in pathogen prevalence. In this study, population genetics of A. maculatum in Southeastern Virginia was analyzed using microsatellite markers. Microsatellites are biparentally inherited short DNA repeat sequences that can be used for population genetics and parentage (relatedness) analysis. We have tested 14 published microsatellite markers for A. maculatum, successfully genotyping 96 ticks. We will analyze tick genotypes to observe allele frequencies and estimate genetic connectivity among A. maculatum populations. Population genetic study of A. maculatum will provide information about relationships between range expansion and prevalence of R. parkeri rickettsiosis.