Comparative analysis of defensin expression in Hyalomma asiaticum ticks exposed to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Background Hyalomma asiaticum, which acts as a vector of zoonotic pathogens, relies on its innate immune system for defense. Methods Unfed adult female H. asiaticum ticks were injected with Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) or Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), with PBS-injected ticks as controls. After 24 h, RNA se...