How is a tick examination conducted? - briefly
The examiner isolates the tick on a white background, uses a magnifier or fine‑tipped tool to identify species, measure engorgement, and locate the attachment point. Results are documented, and the specimen is either preserved for laboratory analysis or removed according to established protocols.
How is a tick examination conducted? - in detail
A tick examination begins with safe removal from the host. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, grasp the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the body. Place the detached specimen in a labeled, airtight container; include date, location, host species, and body part of attachment.
Preservation follows the removal. For morphological identification, store the tick in 70 % ethanol at room temperature. For pathogen detection, keep the specimen at –20 °C or –80 °C, or place it in RNAlater if molecular analysis is planned. Record environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) that may influence tick activity.
Identification proceeds in two stages. First, examine external morphology under a stereomicroscope. Determine the life stage (larva, nymph, adult), sex (if adult), and genus/species by consulting taxonomic keys that focus on scutum shape, capitulum structure, festoon arrangement, and leg markings. Second, confirm species with molecular methods when morphology is ambiguous. Extract DNA from the tick’s legs or whole body, amplify target genes (e.g., COI, 16S rRNA) by PCR, and compare sequences to reference databases.
Pathogen screening uses the same DNA extract. Apply multiplex PCR panels or real‑time quantitative PCR to detect bacterial agents (Borrelia, Rickettsia, Anaplasma), protozoa (Babesia), and viral genomes (Tick‑borne encephalitis virus). Include positive and negative controls to validate results. For serological confirmation, homogenize the tick in buffer, centrifuge, and test the supernatant with ELISA or immunofluorescence assays.
Data integration completes the examination. Enter all findings—morphological ID, molecular confirmation, pathogen profile, collection metadata—into a standardized database (e.g., VectorBase, GBIF). Analyze spatial and temporal trends to inform public‑health interventions, such as targeted acaricide application or public awareness campaigns.
Key steps summary
- Safe removal with appropriate tools.
- Proper labeling and containment.
- Preservation according to intended analysis (morphology vs. molecular).
- Morphological identification using stereomicroscopy and taxonomic keys.
- Molecular confirmation through DNA extraction and PCR sequencing.
- Pathogen detection via multiplex or quantitative PCR, supplemented by serology when needed.
- Comprehensive data recording and epidemiological interpretation.