Lyme disease and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis are prevalent in the northeastern United States. The natural cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi has been relatively well studied. However, little is known about the persistence of transmission of Anaplasma phagocytophila in its natural foci, or about annual and spacial fluctuations in the prevalence of this agent in vector populations. Adult Ixodes scapularis were collected at 4 sites in Connecticut every spring over a 6-year period. Ticks were individually tested by PCR for the presence of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophila DNA. B. burgdorferi persisted in ticks collected at all 4 sites. A. phagocytophila was also found continuously at 3 sites, but only intermittently at the 4th site. The prevalence of both agents at individual sites fluctuated 2-3 fold between years. Within a particular year, the prevalence of A. phagocytophila varied up to 20 fold at different sites, while the prevalence of B. burgdorferi varied within a 2-3 fold range. Annual and spatial fluctuations in the prevalence of A. phagocytophila in adult ticks did not correlate with the prevalence of B. burgdorferi.
Species 1: Parasitiformes Ixodidae Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick)
Keywords: Lyme disease, Granulocytic ehrlichiosis
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