Investigating Transmission Pathways of Heartland Virus Through Comparative Bloodmeal Analysis Restricted; Files Only
Venkatarangan, Dhwani (Spring 2026)
Abstract
Heartland Virus (HRTV) is an emerging tick-borne virus in Georgia that is transmitted by Amblyomma americanum ticks. Not much is known about how the virus persists in the environment or which vertebrate hosts may contribute to its transmission cycle. Furthermore, the arrival of the invasive tick species Haemaphysalis longicornis may alter local tick-host dynamics and influence viral transmission. H. longicornis is a known vector of Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, which is a relative of HRTV. This raises questions about whether the arrival of this tick species could influence HRTV transmission dynamics.
This study aimed to investigate potential host associations of Heartland Virus through a comparative bloodmeal analysis of both A. americanum and H. longicornis. We developed a retrotransposon-based RT-qPCR assay that targeted four vertebrate hosts: deer, squirrel, turkey and rabbit. Bloodmeal testing was conducted on both the native and invasive tick species to compare host-feeding patterns. Furthermore, bloodmeal analysis was conducted on our one available HRTV-positive tick to explore potential host associations with infected ticks.
Comparative analysis yielded preliminary results on host use preferences for both tick species. Out of 8 A. americanum samples, 6 fed on deer, 1 fed on turkey, and 1 fed on none of the developed targets. Conversely, out of 9 H. longicornis samples, only 1 fed on deer, and the other 8 did not feed on any of the developed targets. Furthermore, results from the HRTV-positive bloodmeal analysis revealed possible feeding associations with squirrel, while bloodmeal results from deer, turkey, and rabbit were interpreted as negative. However, the overall sample size was small, limiting the interpretation of the results.
Overall, this study establishes a molecular framework for identifying potential mammalian hosts from tick bloodmeal and provides preliminary data on how HRTV may persist in the environment. Future work can include testing on larger sample sizes, expanding the host panel, and incorporating multiplex assays.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Table of Tables
Table of Figures
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Importance of Tick-Borne Diseases in the United States
1.2 Discovery and Classification of Heartland Virus (HRTV)
1.3Viral Structure and Genomic Organization
1.4 Clinical Impact and Geographic Distribution
1.5 The Role of the Invasive Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis)
1.6 Mechanisms of Viral Transmission and Environmental Maintenance
1.7 Ecology and Distribution of Amblyomma americanum
1.8 Reservoir Competence and Wildlife Exposure
1.9 Bloodmeal Analysis Methodology
1.10 Retrotransposon-based qPCR Assay
1.11 Study Significance and Comparative Analysis
Chapter 2
Methodology
2.1 Field Collection and Preservation of A. americanum and H. longicornis.
2.2 Extraction of Total Nucleic Acid
2.3 Actin and HRTV/BRBV assays
2.4 Host Bloodmeal RT-qPCR design and analysis
Chapter 3
Aim 1: Comparative Bloodmeal Analysis of A. americanum & H. longicornis
Aim 2: Bloodmeal Analysis of Heartland Positive A. Americanum
Chapter 4
Statistical Analysis
Power Analysis
Poisson Model
Binomial Model
Chapter 5
Conclusions
References
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File download under embargo until 28 May 2028 | 2026-04-07 17:29:00 -0400 | File download under embargo until 28 May 2028 |
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