Penguin Ticks Carry Arboviruses
Author Information
Author(s): Major Lee, Linn May La, Slade Robert W., Schroder Wayne A., Hyatt Alex D., Gardner Joy, Cowley Jeff, Suhrbier Andreas
Primary Institution: Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Hypothesis
What types of arboviruses are associated with ticks from penguins on Macquarie Island?
Conclusion
Macquarie Island penguins harbor arboviruses from at least four different genera.
Supporting Evidence
- Seven viruses were isolated from ticks collected from King penguins.
- Two flavivirus isolates showed high genetic stability over 30 years.
- New viruses were proposed based on the sequences obtained from the ticks.
Takeaway
Ticks from penguins on Macquarie Island can carry different types of viruses that can make animals sick.
Methodology
Ticks were collected from penguin colonies and viruses were isolated and identified using cell culture and electron microscopy.
Limitations
The study could not determine the host specificity of the viruses due to the inability to collect blood samples from the penguins.
Participant Demographics
Ticks were collected from three different penguin species on Macquarie Island.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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