Ornithodoros hermsi

Ornithodoros hermsi is a species of tick in the genus Ornithodoros, belonging to the family Argasidae. This species is primarily found in the western regions of North America, including the United States and Canada. Ornithodoros hermsi is known for its role in transmitting Borrelia hermsii, the bacterium responsible for causing Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) in humans.

Description

Ornithodoros hermsi is a soft tick, characterized by its leathery and flexible body. Unlike hard ticks, soft ticks such as Ornithodoros hermsi do not have a scutum, or hard shield. The adults are typically brown in color and measure approximately 5 to 10 millimeters in length.

Habitat and Distribution

Ornithodoros hermsi is predominantly found in the western regions of North America. Its distribution ranges from the southern parts of British Columbia in Canada to the northern parts of California in the United States. The tick is commonly found in forested areas and tends to inhabit rodent burrows and bird nests.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Ornithodoros hermsi includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. The female tick lays her eggs in the burrows of small mammals, where the larvae hatch and feed on the host. The larvae then molt into nymphs, which undergo several molts before reaching the adult stage.

Disease Transmission

Ornithodoros hermsi is a vector of Borrelia hermsii, a spirochete bacterium that causes Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) in humans. The tick becomes infected with B. hermsii when it feeds on an infected host. The bacterium then multiplies in the tick's gut and is transmitted to a new host during the tick's next blood meal.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of TBRF involves avoiding tick-infested areas and using personal protective measures such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. Control measures include rodent control in and around homes and the use of acaricides to kill ticks.

See Also

• Ornithodoros
• Argasidae
• Tick-borne relapsing fever
• Borrelia hermsii

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