What does a swollen tick do? - briefly
An engorged tick has expanded from blood intake, enabling it to stay attached and possibly transmit disease‑causing agents. Prompt removal minimizes the risk of infection.
What does a swollen tick do? - in detail
An engorged tick expands dramatically as it fills its mid‑gut with host blood. The abdomen can increase severalfold, altering the tick’s center of gravity and reducing mobility. This physical change triggers a cascade of physiological processes:
- Salivary glands produce larger quantities of anti‑coagulant and immunomodulatory proteins, facilitating continued feeding and enhancing pathogen transmission.
- Mid‑gut enzymes break down the blood meal, providing nutrients for egg development in females.
- Hormonal signals stimulate ovary maturation; a single female can lay thousands of eggs after detaching from the host.
- Cuticle synthesis intensifies to accommodate the stretched body, preventing rupture.
During the engorgement phase, the tick remains attached for several days, intermittently inserting its mouthparts to feed. The prolonged attachment increases the probability of transmitting bacteria, viruses, or protozoa such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, or Babesia spp. After the blood meal is complete, the tick disengages, drops to the environment, and proceeds to the reproductive stage. The swollen condition therefore represents a critical period for pathogen acquisition, dissemination, and tick reproduction.