Abstract
We found Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma ovale ticks collected in Veracruz, Mexico, in 2018. We sequenced gene segments of gltA, htrA, sca0, and sca5; phylogenetic reconstruction revealed near-complete identity with R. parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest. Enhanced surveillance is needed in Mexico to determine the public health relevance of this bacterium.
Highlights
We found Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma ovale ticks collected in Veracruz, Mexico, in 2018
In Brazil, this species has been implicated as the main vector of the Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest, an eschar-associated spotted fever pathogen [3,4]
Strain Atlantic Rainforest has been detected in other hard tick species, including A. aureolatum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato in Argentina, Colombia, and Belize [4,5,6]
Summary
We found Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma ovale ticks collected in Veracruz, Mexico, in 2018. Amblyomma ovale hard ticks are located predominantly in South and Central America but can be found in areas of the nearctic, Mexico and the southern United States [1,2]. In Brazil, this species has been implicated as the main vector of the Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest, an eschar-associated spotted fever pathogen [3,4]. Strain Atlantic Rainforest has been detected in other hard tick species, including A. aureolatum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato in Argentina, Colombia, and Belize [4,5,6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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
