HSU Research Could Pave the Way to Tick Population Management

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Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- More than 300,000 Americans contract Lyme Disease every year, but what if that number could be reduced? What if tick populations could be managed by scientists, thereby reducing the spread of the diseases they carry?

That’s what motivated the research of Humboldt State University Biology Professor Jianmin Zhong. Zhong and his team of undergraduate research assistance (YES- Undergraduate) started to study bacteria. Bacteria that has lived inside ticks for thousands of years.

In studying Western Blackleg Ticks, the scientists found a species of Rickettsia bacteria. The microorganisms form a symbiotic relationship with their blood sucking hosts. In exchange for shelter, the bacteria produces an enzyme called B9. An enzyme without which the ticks would not thrive.

Ticks only need to feed three times a life cycle. They can also survive for years between meals. This is due in part to the key role played by B9.

Zhong says he hopes in understanding this relationship, one day science may manipulate it. Reducing tick populations, and helping to make summer safer for everyone.