Ehrlichia-like microorganisms in the salivary glands of unfed Ixodes ricinus (Acari : Ixodidae) nymphs

A large number of Ehrlichia-like microorganisms was detected in acinus cell s and lumen of salivary glands of host-searching unfed Ixodes ricinus nymph s. The results indicate that Ehrlichia-like microorganisms are able to mult iply in the acinus cells and disseminate into acinus lumen before blood-fee ding, and that the microorganism can be transmitted into their vertebrate h ost once salivation begins during the very early period of blood-feeding. A lthough if the detected Ehrlichia-like microorganisms is one of strains of Ehrlichia phagocytophila remains uncertain, the results may give some clues to the further investigations into the tick relationship of the TBF agent.