Title
Identification of Carriers of Babesia microti From Local Populations of Borrelia-infested Ticks
Document Type
Grant
Publication Date
9-1-2013
Department
Biology
Abstract
Babesia microti is the causative agent for babesiosis, a blood-based parasitic disease that causes malaria-like symptoms in humans. It is passed through Ixodes scapularis (deer ticks) and is rising in incidence in the upper Midwest. Ticks that carry Borrelia, the causative agent for Lyme disease, may also carry Babesia microti. There are two major goals in this project: determine the prevalence of Babesia microti in ticks in the Winona area and determine whether those ticks that carry Borrelia are more likely to carry Babesia microti. The first part of the project requires development of a PCR assay that works well in detecting B. microti DNA. The second part involves development of a quantitative PCR (QPCR) assay that is more sensitive than regular PCR in order to detect B. microti DNA. DNA isolated from ticks by Dr. Kim Bates and others in her laboratory will be tested for the presence of B. microti. An update will be presented on progress in the project.
Content Notes
Final Report Form, Research Report
Unique Identifier
gspstugrants_2014_Fodstad_Terra.pdf
First Advisor
John Weber
