What is an encephalitis tick called? - briefly
The vector for tick‑borne encephalitis is an Ixodes tick, most commonly Ixodes ricinus in Europe and Ixodes persulcatus in Asia.
What is an encephalitis tick called? - in detail
The tick responsible for transmitting tick‑borne encephalitis belongs to the genus Ixodes. In Europe the primary vector is Ixodes ricinus, commonly called the castor bean tick or sheep tick. In Siberia and parts of East Asia the disease is spread by Ixodes persulcatus, known as the taiga tick. Both species are hard‑bodied (family Ixodidae) and exhibit a three‑stage life cycle—larva, nymph, adult—each requiring a blood meal from a vertebrate host.
Key characteristics of the European vector (I. ricinus):
- Dark brown to black scutum covering the dorsal surface.
- Elongated, oval body measuring 2–4 mm as an adult.
- Preference for humid forested habitats with dense understory.
- Hosts include rodents, birds, and larger mammals such as deer, which facilitate pathogen circulation.
Key characteristics of the Asian vector (I. persulcatus):
- Similar morphology to I. ricinus but slightly larger (3–5 mm adult).
- Found in mixed forests, steppe‑forest ecotones, and mountainous regions.
- Hosts comprise small mammals (e.g., voles), birds, and large mammals like elk and reindeer.
Both ticks acquire the encephalitis virus while feeding on infected rodents. The virus persists transstadially, allowing transmission to humans during subsequent feeding stages, most often as nymphs or adults. Human infection typically follows a bite that may go unnoticed; the tick’s mouthparts embed without a conspicuous lesion.
Prevention relies on avoiding tick habitats, wearing protective clothing, and performing thorough body checks after exposure. Chemical repellents containing DEET or permethrin enhance protection. In endemic regions, vaccination against the virus offers additional defense, especially for individuals with occupational or recreational exposure.
In summary, the disease‑causing arthropod is identified as Ixodes ricinus in Western Europe and Ixodes persulcatus in Eastern Europe and Asia, both hard ticks that serve as reservoirs and vectors for the encephalitis virus.