CO 2 flagging - An improved method for the collection of questing ticks

Background: most epidemiological studies on tick-borne pathogens involve collection of ticks from the environment. an efficient collection method is essential for large sample pools. our main aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a new method,where traditional flagging was enhanced by the use of co 2 dispersed into the white flannel. the co 2 was spread through a rubber hose network inserted into the flag blanket. the research was conducted in spring,in march-april 2011 in two locations from cluj county,romania. methods: the research was conducted in march-april 2011 in two locations from cluj county,romania. the flag to be tested contained a fine silicone rubber hose network which dispersed the co 2 in the shaft. on each collection site n=30 samplings were performed. each sampling consisted in the simultaneous use of both flags (with and without co 2) by two persons. the co 2 concentration level on the flag canvas surface was measured. the efficacy of the method was determined by counting comparatively the total number of ticks and separate developmental stage count. results: using the co 2 improved flag,2411 (59%) ixodes ricinus and 100 (53.8%) dermacentor marginatus ticks were captured,while the co 2-free flag accounted for the collection of 1670 i. ricinus (41%) and 86 (46.2%) d. marginatus ticks. the addition of co 2 prompted a concentration difference on the surface of the flag ranging between 756.5 and 1135.0 ppm with a mean value of 848.9 ppm. conclusion: the study showed that the co 2 enhanced sweep flag increased the ability of i. ricinus (p≥0001) but not of d. marginatus to be attracted to the flag blanket. © 2012 gherman et al.: licensee biomed central ltd.