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Review
. 2023 Mar;122(3):691-704.
doi: 10.1007/s00436-023-07792-9. Epub 2023 Feb 17.

Transovarial transmission of pathogenic protozoa and rickettsial organisms in ticks

Reghu Ravindran  1 , Prabodh Kumar Hembram  2 , Gatchanda Shravan Kumar  2 , Karapparambu Gopalan Ajith Kumar  2 , Chundayil Kalarickal Deepa  2 , Anju Varghese  2
Affiliations
Review

Transovarial transmission of pathogenic protozoa and rickettsial organisms in ticks

Reghu Ravindran et al. Parasitol Res. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Transovarial transmission (TOT) is an efficient vertical transmission of pathogens that is observed in many arthropod vectors. This method seems to be an evolutionarily unique development observed only in Babesia sensu stricto (clade VI) and Rickettsia spp., whereas transstadial transmission is the common/default way of transmission. Transovarial transmission does not necessarily contribute to the amplification of tick-borne pathogens but does contribute to the maintenance of disease in the environment. This review aims to provide an updated summary of previous reports on TOT of tick-borne pathogens.

Keywords: Anaplasma; Babesia; Eggs; Larvae; PCR; Rickettsia.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

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