@article{fdi:010037888,
  title = {{D}irect and indirect inferences on parasite mating and gene transmission patterns - {P}angamy in the cattle tick {R}hipicephalus ({B}oophilus) microplus},
  author = {{C}hevillon, {C}hristine and {K}offi, {B}rou {B}asile and {B}arr{\'e}, {N}. and {D}urand, {P}atrick and {A}rnathau, {C}{\'e}line and {D}e {M}eeûs, {T}hierry},
  abstract = {{M}ating system plays a determinant role in the maintenance and distribution of genetic variation. {D}ifficulties in applying standard methods of indirect inferences onto parasitic life-cycles partly explain the current lack of knowledge on parasite mating systems. {T}he present study develops a combination of direct and indirect inference methods circumventing such difficulties, and illustrates in particular how such a combination modifies our understanding of the biology of the southern cattle tick, {R}hipicephalus microplus. {T}o directly assess how females and males pair in natural populations, we sampled 225 mating pairs, genotyped them at six microsatellite loci, and analysed the correlation between mating status and genetic relatedness. {T}his analysis revealed pangamy, i.e. a random association of male and female genotypes. {I}n addition, indirect methods inferred that sib-groups of ticks exploit distinct individual-cows, and hence that ticks probably move among cows during their parasitic lifetime. {A}ltogether, these results negate the expectation of a high frequency of sib-mating, and show the coexistence of genetically diverging stocks within tick cohorts and populations. {T}hese results have several consequences for our understanding of {R}. microplus. {F}or instance, while existing models of pesticide resistance management look perfectly applicable to this species, the epidemiological models of the micropathogens it vectors needs revision. {M}ore largely, the methods developed here would help clarify the evolutionary patterns of any dioceous parasite.},
  keywords = {ticks ; pangamy ; population genetics ; mating pattern ; gene transmission},
  journal = {{I}nfection {G}enetics and {E}volution},
  volume = {7},
  numero = {2},
  pages = {298--304},
  ISSN = {1567-1348},
  year = {2007},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.meegid.2006.11.007},
  URL = {http://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010037888},
}