Acarina (2000) 8, 137-141

S.D. Zharkov, H.V. Dubinina, A.N. Alekseev and Per M. Jensen (2000)
Anthropogenic pressure and changes in Ixodes tick populations in the baltic region of Russia and Denmark
Acarina 8 (2), 137-141
Abstract: The representatives of two Ixodes species were tested for exoskeleton abnormalities and infections caused by different pathogens. Two groups comprising 3854 alive ticks from Russia and Denmark and 3417 alcohol fixed ticks collected from five different locations in 1990-1999 were studied.
Abnormalities were looked for using a stereomicroscope. For the first time the presence and types of Ixodes species nymphs' exoskeleton abnormalities were shown. Darkfield microscopy and IFA methods were used to detect infection. The minimum of anomalies (10-15%) was found in protected areas: in the Zhiguli Reserve (Russia) and the Gribskov National Park (Denmark). The maximum (48%) was found in the industrial Cherepovets area (Russia). The prevalence of the exoskeleton abnormalities in Ixodes ticks populations depends greatly on the anthropogenic pressure. Exoskeleton abnormality research may be one of the most reliable ways of biomonitoring of the environment pollution level. Further research needed to reveal the exact abnormality-causing agents. It might be an accumulation of the heavy metal ions or complex hydrocarbons in the environment as well as any other factors.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Per M. Jensen, Andrey N. Alekseev

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ixodes ricinus		Denmark
	Ixodes persulcatus		Russia (Eur.)