Reference no: EM133393545
Questions:
For (Diphyllobothrum latum and Taenia solium), (Ctenocephalides canis, Demodex folliculorum, Ixodes scapularis, Pediculus humanus, Sarcoptes scabei, Trombicula irritans, Varroa destructor)
Some ectoparasites (ticks, fleas, etc.) and micro predators (mosquitos) deposit salivary gland products in the host dermis during feeding. These salivary gland products can act as antigens, which elicit an adaptive immune response in the host. Scientists are now trying to exploit this process in order to create vaccines against salivary agents from multiple ectoparasites (such as this potential mRNA vaccine against tick saliva from Sajid et al, 2021 PMID: 34788080). Thinking about the biology of an ectoparasite (hint: Question 1), why might this be an efficient vaccine strategy? Add any relevant citations for sources you used while answering this.
Compare and contrast one ectoparasite that is a host specialist to an ectoparasite that is a host generalist. Do you notice any differences in their life history patterns/ worldwide distribution? Add any relevant citations for sources you used while answering this.
Many ectoparasites are the direct cause of disease, however, some can also carry additional diseases. Out of all the ectoparasites that we looked at & discussed today, which act as vectors of infectious agents? What do they transmit?