A Capsule-Based Model for Immature Hard Tick Stages Infestation on Laboratory Mice

Summary

In this study, a feeding system for nymphal and larval stages of hard tick was developed using a capsule attached to laboratory mouse. The feeding capsule is made from flexible materials and remains firmly attached to the mouse for at least one week and allows comfortable monitoring of tick feeding.

Abstract

Ticks are obligatory blood feeding parasites at all stages of development (except eggs) and are recognized as vectors of various pathogens. The use of mouse models in tick research is critical for understanding their biology and tick-host-pathogen interactions. Here we demonstrate a non-laborious technique for the feeding of immature stages of hard ticks on laboratory mice. The benefit of the method is its simplicity, short duration, and the ability to monitor or collect ticks at different time points of an experiment. In addition, the technique allows attachment of two individual capsules on the same mouse, which is beneficial for a variety of experiments where two different groups of ticks are required to feed on the same animal. The non-irritating and flexible capsule is made from easily accessible materials and minimizes the discomfort of the experimental animals. Furthermore, euthanasia is not necessary, mice recover completely after the experiment and are available for re-use.

Introduction

Ticks are important vectors of several pathogens and represent a serious risk to animal and human health¹. Setting up an effective feeding system is crucial when studying their biology, tick-host-pathogen interactions, or establishing effective control measures. Currently, several artificial feeding systems, which avoid the use of live animals are available for ticks^2,3,4 and these should be utilized whenever experimental conditions allow. However, in various experimental settings these systems fail to appropriately mimic the specific physiologic featu....

Protocol

Please note that this protocol can be only applied when all welfare and safety measures are met in the laboratory. This protocol received permission to use mice for tick feeding by the Ethics Committee for Animal ExperimentsComEth Anses/ENVA/UPEC, Permit Numbers E 94 046 08. For the endpoint, the animals were exposed to CO₂ for 9 min in two phases of 4 and 5 min each one.

1. Preparation of the capsule

1. Stick 2 mm thick EVA-foam and the adhesive double sticky foam together.......

Discussion

The most critical step in the protocol is firm gluing of the capsule to the mouse skin. Therefore, the latex glue should be homogenously applied to the entire EVA-foam surface of the capsule and constant pressure for 3 minutes should be applied, especially to the left and right side of the capsule. We also recommend placement of the capsule as far forward on the back as possible to avoid its removal by the mouse using its rear paws. In our experiments, only the adhesion of the EVA-foam and latex glue to the mouse skin ha.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
EVA-foam 2 mm thick, (low density)	Cosplay Shop	EVA-45kg (950/450/2 mm)	It can be ordered also via Amazon (ref. no. B07BLMJDXD)
Heat Shrink Tubing Electric Wire Wrap Sleeve	Amazon	B014GMT1AM	Different diameters of Heat Shrink Tubing are available via Amazon.
Mice BALB/cByJ	Charles River	Strain code 627
Mice C57BL/6	Charles River	Strain code 664
No-toxic Latex Glue	Tear mender	Fabric & Leather Adhesive	Also available also via Amazon (ref. no. B001RQCTUU)
Punch Tool Hand Art Tool	Amazon	B07QPWNGBF	Saled by amazon as Leather Working Tools 1-25mm Round Steel Leather Craft Cutter Working for Belt Strap
PVC Binding Covers Transparent	Amazon	B078BNLSNP	Any transparent PVC sheet of ticknes between 0.150 mm to 0.180 mm is suitable
Self Adhesive Pad Sponge Double Coated Foam Tape	Amazon	B07RHDZ35J	Saled by amazon as 2 Rolls Double Sided Foam Tape, Super Strong White Mounting Tape Foam
Transparent seal stickers (20 mm diameter circles)	Amazon	B01DAA6X66