| dc.description.abstract | Ehrlichiosis is becoming one of the increasingly common tick borne illnesses in the US with a steady increase in reported cases from 200 in the year 2000, to 1,549 in 2013 [1]. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the causative agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis and Ehrlichia canis, the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (and potential human pathogen) in ticks throughout the state of Texas. To determine the distribution of E. chaffeensis and E. canis in the area of study, we collected ticks from different wildlife management areas, deer hunting stations, veterinary clinics, and animal shelters in different counties across the state of Texas. The sampling was conducted during the time period extending from September 2011 to September 2014. All ticks were identified to species and their DNA was purified individually. The tick species mostly observed in this area are: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, A. cajennense, A. maculatum, A. inornatum, Ixodes scapularis, and I. affinis. Each tick sample was tested by PCR, utilizing primers specific to E. chaffeensis and E. canis. Positive PCR results were confirmed by sequencing. We evaluated the percentage infection of each tick species for each Ehrlichia species. In addition, we correlated infection with geographic location to determine the distribution of these bacterial pathogens in the state of Texas. | en |
