Evaluation of Foldscope, a paper-based origami microscope useful for taxonomic identification of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks

Abstract

The objective of this work is to evaluate an origami-based microscope Foldscope as a tool to support taxonomic identification of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on the field. A total of 257 ticks were collected from five neighborhoods in the city of Chihuahua, Mexico. Representative morphological structures were analyzed for taxonomic identification with a stereoscope and a Foldscope. It was possible to identify key morphological structures such as palps, base of capitulum, eyes, anal groove, festoons, first coxa and spiracular plate on specimens of 7 mm in length or less. Foldscope is a tool that allows morphological identification of ticks on the field. It may be useful for epidemiological studies on the field and on social outreach programs aimed at raising awareness about vector-borne diseases.