Phenotypic Characterization Of Rhipicephalus Spp. Related To Bites In Humans In Spain

This study aimed to phenotypically characterize ticks from human bites in La Rioja and canine bites in the province of Valencia, Spain. Phenotyping was performed using a computerized image analysis system (CIAS, Computer picture Analysis System). The analysis by means of principal components of the morphological markers of ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus spp. of human and canine patients allows its separation into two groups with independent phenotypic characteristics. In the case of females, the principal component 1 shows 83.2% of the variance, explained by the length of the idiosoma and width of the scutum, while, in males, the principal component 1 represents 81.1% of the variance, explained by the length of the idiosoma and the length of the scutum.