# DEVELOPMENT OF BABESIA MICROTI AND SPIROCHETES IN TICKS

> **NIH NIH R01** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 1987 · $186,446

## Abstract

The long-term objective of the proposed work is to define the major
features of the life cycle of pathogens transmitted by the deer tick Ixodes
dammini, with reference to identifying conditions that affect infection of
the vector tick as well as development of parasites infectious for the
reservoir.  In particular, we shall (1) determine the route by which
kinetes of Babesia microti migrate from the gut of the vector to the
salivary glands and describe the development of the kinete; (2) determine
whether sporozoites of B. microti may invade lymphoid cells or other
non-erythrocytic cells and whether such infected cells may stably
transform; (3) compare larva-to-nymph and nymph-to-adult transstadial
transmission of B. microti infection in the vector, and resolve the paradox
presented by our observation of kinetes in the hemolymph of adult ticks
(Can infection be inherited?); (4) develop a technique for feeding hard
ticks from a capillary tube; (5) identify the stimulus for gamete
formation; (6) identify the stimuli that regulate maturation of sporozoites
of I. dammini; (7) describe the development of the Lyme spirochete in I.
dammini and evaluate the components of vector competence of I. dammini for
this pathogen (including the possibility of inherited infection); (8)
describe the pharmacology of tick-bite with particular reference to the
possibility that tick-secreted prostaglandin E2 may prepare the skin for
infection by the Lyme spirochete or sporozoites of B. microti; (9) describe
the time-course of events in feeding and salivation by I. dammini with
particular reference to regurgitation and the rate of salivation; (10)
compare vector competence of B. microti in I muris and other potential
vector ticks.

This project applies experimental and electron microscopic techniques to
describe and explain morphogenesis of two new agents of public health
importance.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3126465
- **Project number:** 5R01AI015886-09
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JDLVAVGYJQ21
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrew Spielman
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $186,446
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1979-05-01 → 1988-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3126465

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3126465, DEVELOPMENT OF BABESIA MICROTI AND SPIROCHETES IN TICKS (5R01AI015886-09). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3126465. Licensed CC0.

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