The vector potential of Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks for Babesia microti parasites under experimental condition

Babesia microti is a known zoonotic agent naturally transmitted by Ixodes ticks. Haemaphysalis longicornis, a widely distributed hard tick in East Asia and Australia, is one of the most important tick vectors of Babesia and Theileria parasites. Here, we experimentally evaluated the interaction of B. microti parasites and H. longicornis ticks after blood feeding on mice infected with B. microti. B. microti DNA was detected in engorged larvae and nymphs after blood feeding on mice infected with B. microti by nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR). In addition, we performed a transmission test of B. microti parasites from H. longicornis ticks to mice. Although, the transmission of B. microti parasites from H. longicornis ticks to mice was not confirmed, the parasites’ DNA was detected in engorged nymphs fed on B. microti-free mice. These results indicate that B. microti parasites can infect to H. longicornis ticks, but the tick not a vector for B. microti parasites.