OBJECTIVETo investigate whether HV and Ot can coexist in their host (Leptotrombidium scutellare).

METHODSCollecting the separate Leptotrombidium scutellare and the ones from mice in epidemic area. The cells of mites at larva, nymph, and adult stages were cultured and made into smear. In situ RT-PCR and PCR were used to detect and locate HV RNA and Ot DNA in the primary cultured cells.

RESULTSPositive signals of HV RNA and Ot DNA distributed mostly in epithelial cells of digestive system and ovary cells of larva and nymph. The positive rate increased by the generation of passages.

CONCLUSIONCoinfection of HV and Ot did exist in wild Leptotrombidium scutellare.