Proceedings of the Wayamba University International Conference, Sri Lanka, 19-20 August 2016 Theme 05
190
A preliminary investigation of human-biting ticks in Uhumeeya Grama Niladari (GN) division in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
Diyes GCP and Weerakoon KC
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Kandy regional centre, Polgolla, Sri Lanka
Corresponding author: kcwee@ou.ac.lk
Ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) are among the most important pests of livestock, wildlife and humans, and are
second only to the mosquitoes as vectors of many life threatening diseases. Present study was
conducted to determine the diversity of human biting ticks in Uhumeeya GN division (local
administrative area) Kurunegala. Thirty houses situated along Negambo Rd., Hanhamuna Rd. and
Pothuhera Rd. was selected for the study. Human-biting ticks were collected from September 2015 to
January 2016. Ticks were evaluated in terms of species, developmental stage and site of attachment.
Six tick species belonging to four genera namely, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (34.1% of the total
ticks) Rhipicephalus sanguineus (29.6%), Dermacentor auratus (18.2%), Haemaphysalis intermedia
(6.8%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (6.8%) and Amblyomma integrum (4.5%) were identified
of which many were Rhipicephalus spp. (70.5%). Immature stages (77.2%) were the most abundant
(larvae 34.1% and nymphs 43.2%) and were found in all the species in addition to the adult ticks
(22.7%) of R. sanguineus, R. haemaphysaloides and H. intermedia. Female ticks (15.9%) had a high
affinity to infest humans compared to male ticks (6.8%). Among the villagers, children of <10 years
(47.7%) were highly vulnerable to tick bites compared to adults of 21-40 years (22.7%) and 40< years
(29.6%). The overall tick infestation was higher in males (56.6%). Many of the ticks were found on leg
(back of the knee, thigh, waist and buttocks; 28.2%), ear (17.9%) and groin (15.4%) followed by arms
(upper/lower arm and armpit; 10.3%), in-between toes (12.8%), head (10.3%) and eye region (7.6%).
Occurrence of Rhipicephalus and Dermacentor ticks on human could be accidental. Results of this
study update the information on human biting ticks in Kurunegala area. Further studies will be carried
out to determine the vector potential of human biting ticks.
