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Anaplasma phagocytophilum in central and western Wisconsin: a molecular survey
M Michalski1, C Rosenfield, M Erickson
1Department of Biology and Microbiology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA. michalsk@uwosh.edu
Abstract:
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular bacterium that is transmitted to humans through the bite of Ixodes spp. ticks, and causes a febrile disease known as human granulocytic anaplasmosis. The presence of A. phagocytophilum in Wisconsin white-tailed deer blood and in deer ticks was assessed using PCR and DNA sequencing. Sampling sites in the western part of the state (Buffalo County) and central region (Waushara, Waupaca, and Green Lake counties) were used. In Buffalo County, 5.6% of deer and 8.9% of ticks were infected. At Hartman Creek State Park (Waupaca County), 11.5% of ticks were infected, while the observed prevalence in deer from counties to the south of the park (Waushara and Green Lake) reached 19-26%. Based on 16S rRNA sequences, A. phagocytophilum strains associated and not associated with human infections were identified. Furthermore, two novel A. phagocytophilum variants were found in deer blood samples. Transmission of Lyme disease has been documented in both the Western and Central regions we sampled, and the presence of A. phagocytophilum in naturally occurring tick populations could present an additional risk of disease to humans that enter tick habitats.
Insights
Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects white-tailed deer and ticks in Wisconsin, posing a risk to humans. Novel bacterial variants were discovered, highlighting the need for disease surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis, transmitted by Ixodes ticks.
- White-tailed deer are reservoirs for tick-borne pathogens.
- Understanding pathogen prevalence in wildlife is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in Wisconsin white-tailed deer and ticks.
- To identify A. phagocytophilum strains and novel variants.
- To evaluate the potential risk to humans in endemic areas.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect A. phagocytophilum DNA.
- DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified bacterial strains.
- Samples were collected from deer blood and Ixodes ticks in western and central Wisconsin.
Main Results:
- A. phagocytophilum was detected in 5.6% of deer and 8.9% of ticks in Buffalo County.
- Tick infection rates reached 11.5% in Waupaca County, with deer prevalence at 19-26% in adjacent counties.
- Two novel A. phagocytophilum variants were identified in deer blood samples.
Conclusions:
- A. phagocytophilum is prevalent in deer and ticks in Wisconsin, with identified strains linked to human infections.
- The discovery of novel variants suggests ongoing bacterial evolution and adaptation.
- Co-occurrence with Lyme disease vectors indicates a heightened risk for human exposure in these regions.
