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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
07:21

Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing

Published on: August 25, 2018

Anaplasma marginale (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae): recent advances in defining host-pathogen adaptations of a

K M Kocan1, J de la Fuente, E F Blouin

  • 1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, 250 McElroy Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2007, USA. kmk285@okstate.edu

Parasitology
|June 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Anaplasma marginale, a tick-borne pathogen, causes persistent infections in cattle and ticks. Major surface proteins are key to host interactions, influencing infection and transmission dynamics.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Entomology
  • Pathogen Biology
  • Molecular Ecology

Background:

  • Anaplasma marginale is a tick-borne pathogen causing persistent infections in cattle and ticks.
  • It exhibits complex developmental cycles in ticks and varied geographic isolates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent research on Anaplasma marginale host-vector-pathogen interactions.
  • To highlight the role of major surface proteins (MSPs) in infection and transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of host-vector-pathogen interactions.
  • Phylogenetic studies using msp4 and msp1alpha genes.
  • Review of research on MSP1a and MSP2 functions.

Main Results:

  • MSP1a acts as an adhesin, affecting A. marginale infection and transmission by ticks.
  • MSP2 undergoes antigenic variation, aiding persistent infections.
  • Phylogenetic data reveal biogeography and evolution, with msp1alpha evolving under positive selection.

Conclusions:

  • Host-vector-pathogen interactions are crucial for A. marginale.
  • MSP functions are vital for infection persistence and transmission.
  • Studies on A. marginale can model other tick-borne rickettsiae research.

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