Anaplasma phagocytophilum: deceptively simple or simply deceptive?
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular rickettsial pathogen transmitted by ixodid ticks. This bacterium colonizes myeloid and nonmyeloid cells and causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis--an important immunopathological vector-borne disease in the USA, Europe and Asia. Recent studies uncovered novel insights into the mechanisms of A. phagocytophilum pathogenesis and immunity. Here, we provide an overview of the underlying events by which the immune system responds to A. phagocytophilum infection, how this pathogen counteracts host immunity and the contribution of the tick vector for microbial transmission. We also discuss current scientific gaps in the knowledge of A. phagocytophilum biology for the purpose of exchanging research perspectives.
Department of Entomology & Center for Disease Vector Research, 900 University Avenue, University of California - Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
Maiara S
MS
Severo
Kimberly D
KD
Stephens
Michail
M
Kotsyfakis
Joao Hf
JH
Pedra
D041081:Anaplasma phagocytophilum / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D000818:Animals; D001208:Asia; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000639:trends; D016873:Ehrlichiosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D057131:Immune Evasion; D017282:Tick-Borne Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D013987:Ticks; D014481:United States