Locomotor Activity of Ixodes ricinus Females in 900 MHz Electromagnetic Field

Authors: Vargová B, Majláth I, Kurimský J, Cimbala R, Zbojovský J, Tryjanowski P, Majláthová V

Year: 2022 Jun 13

Category: Environmental Science

Journal: Life (Basel)

DOI: 10.3390/life12060884

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/12/6/884

Abstract

Abstract Overview

Our study explored the impact of a 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) on the locomotor behavior of Ixodes ricinus female ticks under laboratory settings. In pursuit of understanding this interaction, we conducted our experiments in specialized environments such as a radiation-shielded tube and a circular open-field arena within an anechoic chamber.

Key Findings

  • No noticeable changes in tick behavior in terms of their preferences for irradiated versus shielded areas were observed in the radiation-shielded tube tests.
  • Significant differences were noted in the open-field tests, where ticks spent more time and traveled longer trajectories in areas exposed to EMF.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The presence of EMFs, due to the ubiquitous use of mobile phones, presents an environmental load influencing all living organisms, including epidemiologically significant ticks. Despite minimal responses observed among different signals, our findings suggest a subtle yet present effect of EMFs on tick behavior. Future research should expand on these preliminary findings by testing different EMF frequencies, sources, and tick species and advancing into cellular or molecular impact studies.

Ixodes ricinus electromagnetic field locomotor behavior EMF impact wildlife telecommunication behavioral studies
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