The multiplication of Dugbe virus in the Ixodid tick, Hyalomma rufipes Koch, after experimental infection.

Nymphs and adults of H. rufipes were inoculated intracoelomically with a Dugbe virus concentration containing 1.5 LD50/0.02 ml. The virus multiplied to a peak titre of 9.3 log10 +/- 0.03 in nymphs and 4.4 log10 +/- 0.02 in the unfed adults. Virus infection persisted during metamorphosis and was passed on to the adults. A blood meal significantly increased the titre of virus in the adults at a probability less than 0.001. Also the tire in the engorged females was significantly higher than that in the fed males at a probability less than 0.05. Dugbe virus persisted for a long time in the unfed adults and a titre of 2.4 log10 +/- 0.06 was obtained in 165 day old adults.