Molecular Detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis in Amblyomma parvum Ticks, Argentina
2008

Detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis in Ticks in Argentina

Sample size: 200 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tomassone Laura, Nuñez Pablo, Gürtler Ricardo E., Ceballos Leonardo A., Orozco Marcela M., Kitron Uriel D., Farber Marisa

Primary Institution: Università di Torino, Torino, Italy

Hypothesis

Ehrlichia chaffeensis can be detected in Amblyomma parvum ticks in Argentina.

Conclusion

Ehrlichia chaffeensis was found in 9.2% of tested Amblyomma parvum ticks in the study area.

Supporting Evidence

  • E. chaffeensis was detected in A. parvum ticks collected from various hosts.
  • The study found a 9.2% infection rate in tested ticks.
  • The research indicates the potential role of A. parvum as a vector for E. chaffeensis.

Takeaway

Researchers found a germ that can make people sick in ticks from Argentina, showing that these ticks might spread the disease.

Methodology

Ticks were collected and tested for E. chaffeensis DNA using PCR and reverse line blot hybridization.

Limitations

The study only tested a limited number of tick species and may not represent all potential vectors.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI 4.9–21.0

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1412.080781

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