Transmission efficiency of the AP-variant 1 strain of Anaplasma phagocytophila.
Nymphal Ixodes scapularis ticks were collected from several sites in Rhode Island. DNA was extracted from a subset of these ticks, and PCR and DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene were used to determine the ratio of Anaplasma phagocytophila-human agent (AP-ha) to a genetic variant not associated with human disease (AP-Variant 1). The remaining ticks were allowed to feed to repletion on either white-footed (Peromyscus leucopus) or DBA/2 (Mus musculus) mice. The engorged ticks, and blood samples drawn from each mouse at one-week intervals, were evaluated by PCR and DNA sequencing for the presence of AP-ha and Variant 1. Although a high percentage of the infecting ticks harbored AP-Variant 1, only AP-ha was amplified from the mouse blood samples. Because the A. phagocytophila variant did not establish an infection either in the natural reservoir of AP-ha, the white-footed mouse, or in a common research laboratory mouse (DBA/2), AP-Variant 1 may have an alternative natural reservoir, possibly the white-tailed deer.
Massung
Robert F
RF
Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. rfm2@cdc.gov
Mather
Thomas N
TN
Priestley
Rachael A
RA
Levin
Michael L
ML
D041081:Anaplasma phagocytophilum / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D000818:Animals; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics; D016873:Ehrlichiosis / Q000635:transmission*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D018884:Ixodes / Q000382:microbiology*; D051379:Mice; D008811:Mice, Inbred DBA; D010542:Peromyscus / Q000382:microbiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics
D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S