ARS | Publication request: Microarray analysis of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus gene expression associated with Babesia bovis infection

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: August 19, 2008
Publication Date: September 5, 2008
Citation: Guerrero, F., Scoles, G.A., Saldivar, L., Brayton, K.A. 2008. Microarray analysis of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus gene expression associated with Babesia bovis infection. In Proceedings of the VI Internacional Seminar of Animal Parasitology, September 3-5, 2008, Vera Cruz, Mexico. 2008 CDROM.

Interpretive Summary: The ability of the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, to carry and transmit pathogens such as Babesia bovis has serious consequences for cattle producers throughout the world. We have developed gene databases and microarrays which enable research on the genetic responses which R. microplus can undergo in response to various challenges. We designed experiments to examine the genetic responses which occur in the tick's gut and ovary following infection with B. bovis and identified several genes which are alter their normal patterns of expression in response to infection with this pathogen. Some of these genes might prove critical to the process whereby B. bovis infects the tick.

Technical Abstract: The ability of the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, to vector pathogens such as Babesia bovis has serious consequences for cattle producers throughout the world. Using the BmiGI genomic sequence database and R. microplus microarrays, we have examined the transcriptional response of R. microplus to infection with B. bovis. Focusing on the tick's midgut and ovary, we have identified several genes which are differentially expressed in response to infection.