Geographic Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Ehrlichia from Panola Mountain
Author Information
Author(s): Amanda D Loftis, Tonya R Mixson, Ellen Y Stromdahl, Michael J Yabsley, Laurel E Garrison, Phillip C Williamson, Robert R Fitak, Paul A Fuerst, Daryl J Kelly, Keith W Blount
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Was the novel Ehrlichia agent recently introduced into the United States?
Conclusion
The Panola Mountain Ehrlichia has an extensive distribution in the U.S. and has been present for several years, indicating it was not recently introduced.
Supporting Evidence
- The novel Ehrlichia was detected in 36 ticks from 10 states.
- Infected ticks were found both in vegetation and on humans.
- Two distinct genetic clades of the Ehrlichia were identified.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new germ in ticks that can make people sick, and it has been around for a long time in many places, not just recently.
Methodology
Ticks were collected from various states and tested using a sensitive PCR assay based on the gltA gene.
Limitations
The study may not capture all instances of the Ehrlichia due to the variability in the map1 gene affecting detection.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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