Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Borrelia burgdorferi in Ixodes scapularis, southern coastal Maine.

Mary S Holman,John Goldberg,Diane A Caporale,Robert P Smith,Eleanor Lacombe,Charles Lubelczyk,Peter W Rand

doi:10.3201/eid1004.030566

Mary S Holman, John Goldberg + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1004.030566

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Abstract

Ixodes scapularis (deer ticks) from Maine were tested for multiple infections by polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. In 1995, 29.5%, 9.5%, and 1.9% of deer ticks were infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti, respectively. In 1996 and 1997, the number of A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks markedly declined. In 1995 through 1996, 4 (1.3%) of 301 were co-infected.

Highlights

Throughout its range in the eastern and upper midwestern United States, Ixodes scapularis (Ixodes dammini) is the vector of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease
Schwartz et al reported an increase in the percent of adult deer ticks infected with the agent of Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) in Westchester County, New York from 32% of ticks collected in1984 and tested retrospectively, to 53% in 1995 [11]
A. phagocytophilum infection rates declined from 9.5% in 1995 to 0.5% and 0% in subsequent years

Summary

Introduction

Throughout its range in the eastern and upper midwestern United States, Ixodes scapularis (Ixodes dammini) (deer tick) is the vector of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. The Study I. scapularis nymphs and adult females that had partially fed on a variety of hosts were collected in 1995 through 1997 from coastal areas in Maine, from York to Hancock counties, where the tick is established and Lyme disease is endemic (Figure A). B. Four towns where ticks infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Babesia microti were found.

Results

Conclusion