Ixodes dammini: A Junior Synonym for Ixodes scapularis
1998
The Name Ixodes dammini Epidemiologically Justified
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Martin Sanders
Primary Institution: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Hypothesis
Is the synonymization of Ixodes dammini with Ixodes scapularis erroneous?
Conclusion
The continued use of Ixodes dammini may obscure important epidemiologic issues related to Lyme disease.
Supporting Evidence
- The synonymization of Ixodes dammini with Ixodes scapularis has been widely accepted.
- Current use of I. scapularis to refer to the vector of Lyme disease obscures important epidemiologic issues.
Takeaway
Some scientists think that calling a tick by the wrong name can make it harder to understand where Lyme disease is found.
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