Amblyomma sculptum Transcriptome or Gene expression

Ticks are obligate blood feeding ectoparasites that transmit a wide variety of pathogenic organisms to their vertebrate hosts. Amblyomma sculptum is a vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Rock Mountain spotted fever, the most lethal rickettsiosis that affects humans. The transmission of pathogens by ticks is mainly associated with the physiology of the feeding process. Firstly, pathogens that are acquired with thein blood meal must colonize the tick gut and later the salivary glands (SG) via hemolymph. To be successfully transmitted during a subsequent blood feeding, pathogens must then reach the saliva. Tick saliva contains a complex mixture of bioactive molecules with anti-clotting, anti-platelet aggregation, vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties to counteract the host defense mechanisms, which besides facilitating tick feeding, may also benefits survival and establishment of pathogens in the host.