Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Small Mammals
Author Information
Author(s): Janet E. Foley, Nathan C. Nieto, Jennifer Adjemian, Haydee Dabritz, Richard N. Brown
Primary Institution: University of California, Davis
Hypothesis
We sought to evaluate granulocytic anaplasmosis exposure and infection and describe the Ixodes spp. tick fauna in small mammals from central and northern coastal California.
Conclusion
The study found that certain rodent species, like tree squirrels and woodrats, are frequently infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, while others contribute to tick ecology without being infected.
Supporting Evidence
- High seroprevalence was observed in northern sites.
- Odds ratios were >1 for 4 sciurids species and dusky-footed woodrats.
- PCR prevalence among rodents tested was 3.8%.
- Location was an important determinant of exposure to infection.
Takeaway
The study looked at small animals in California to see if they had a germ that can make people sick, and found that some animals carry the germ while others just help the ticks that spread it.
Methodology
Small mammals were trapped and tested for Anaplasma phagocytophilum using serological assays and PCR.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of sites and species that may not represent the entire population.
Limitations
The study may have confounding factors due to overrepresentation of certain species in high prevalence sites.
Participant Demographics
The study included 2,121 small mammals, primarily rodents, from various sites in northern and central California.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 13.6–16.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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