This video discusses the question of whether genotypic diversity (genetic variation) and host specialization in tick-borne pathogens together can lead to increased invasiveness. The researchers explored this by studying the genotypes of a wide range of Acari ticks, which are known to have been involved in several different human infections.
The researchers used traditional molecular techniques as well as more advanced methods such as population genetics analysis to study the genetic structure and evolutionary history of these diverse ticks. They found that most species had rather low levels of genetic variation, but some showed high levels, especially for certain genes that may be related to pathogenicity or transmission ability. Furthermore, they observed that most ticks were specialized to particular hosts (such as mice or birds) and demonstrated limited ability to adapt rapidly into new environmental conditions or move between hosts.
Watch this video, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ASjUqljV-yX_FKJX5qz2QX0Jn0hG_Fvh/view “”Does genotypic diversity and host specialization lead to more invasive tick-borne pathogens?” and write a one-page summary.
The findings suggest that while some tick-borne pathogens show high levels of genetic variability with potential adaptive capabilities, others are constrained by their host specialization and thus have limited capacity for successful invasion into new habitats or introduction into new hosts. In other words, even if a tick-borne pathogen has high levels of gene diversity it does not necessarily mean that it will become an invasive agent unless it is able to successfully colonize another environment/host type where it can thrive.
Overall, this research indicates that although having access to multiple host types could allow tick-borne pathogens better chances at becoming invasive agents, this alone may not guarantee success; rather factors such as adaptation speed and ease with which they can transfer between hosts should also be taken into consideration when determining whether a given organism is likely to cause an epidemic.