Abstract
Ectoparasites, including chigger mites (genera Leptotrombidium, Schoengastia, and Blankarrtia) and one tick (genus Haemaphysalis) collected from wild-caught rodents in Thailand, were assessed for the presence of Bartonella DNA by using a polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region and citrate synthase gene (gltA). Of the 41 pooled samples tested, 34 were positive for Bartonella DNA. Sequence analysis demonstrated that DNA detected in 33 chigger mite pools and one tick pool was similar to Bartonella tamiae sequences previously isolated from three patients in Thailand. This is the first report of the detection of B. tamiae DNA in chigger mites; additional field and experimental investigations are required to determine the role of chigger mites as potential vectors of B. tamiae.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
