Typically,
soft ticks are found in rodent nesting material (Wheeler, 1942).
Ticks that transmit disease to animals and humans can be divided into two groups: the hard ticks (Ixodidae) (Figure 4-1) and the
soft ticks (Argasidae).
In the case of most
soft ticks, the larva feeds on its host in the den or nest, then detaches and molts to produce an eight-legged nymph.
Many
soft tick species thrive in hot and dry conditions, whereas ixodids are more sensitive to desiccation and, therefore, usually found in areas providing protection from high temperatures, low humidities, and constant breezes.
Tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a spirochetal infection transmitted to humans through the bites of
soft ticks.
erraticus ticks, previously believed to be the only
soft tick species in this region.
Health-care providers should consider TBRF in the differential diagnosis of febrile patients with potential exposure to
soft ticks.
Phylogeny of hard and
soft tick taxa (Acari:Ixodida) based on mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences.
Ornithodoros moubata, a
soft tick vector for Rickettsia in east Africa?
Transmission of Kyasanur Forest disease virus by the
soft tick Ornithodoros crossi.
Although its persistence in Senegal may be caused by asymptomatic carriers involved in the domestic transmission cycle, we demonstrated that the
soft tick Ornithodoros sonrai can be naturally infected with the causative agent.
The difference between hard and
soft ticks was kept in mind as mentioned by Urquhart et al.
