Endosymbiont CLS-HI plays a role in reproduction and development of Haemaphysalis longicornis

Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLS-Hl) is a primary endosymbiont of Haemaphysalis longicornis. CLS-Hl infects tick special tissues and its prevalence is 100% in ovaries and Malpighian tubules. Tetracycline was injected into females, which then fed on rabbits also treated with tetracycline. The densities of CLS-Hl were measured by semi-quantitative PCR. CLS-Hl densities in ovaries and Malpighian tubes of H. longicornis had significant effects on engorged weight, feeding time, number of eggs, oviposition period, and hatching period. These findings suggested that CLS-Hl plays a role in the reproduction and development of H. longicornis.