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Visualization of Microbiota in Tick Guts by Whole-mount In Situ Hybridization
Published on: June 1, 2018
Molecular characterization of Ehrlichia interactions with tick cells and macrophages
Roman Reddy Ganta1, Lalitha Peddireddi, Gwi-Moon Seo
1Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. rganta@vet.ksu.edu
Abstract:
Several tick-transmitted Anaplasmataceae family rickettsiales of the genera Ehrlichia and Anaplasma have been discovered in recent years. Some species are classified as pathogens causing emerging diseases with growing health concern for people. They include human monocytic ehrlichiosis, human granulocytic ewingii ehrlichiosis and human granulocytic anaplasmosis which are caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, respectively. Despite the complex cellular environments and defense systems of arthropod and vertebrate hosts, rickettsials have evolved strategies to evade host clearance and persist in both vertebrate and tick host environments. For example, E. chaffeensis growing in vertebrate macrophages has distinct patterns of global host cell-specific protein expression and differs considerably in morphology compared with its growth in tick cells. Immunological studies suggest that host cell-specific differences in Ehrlichia gene expression aid the pathogen, extending its survival. Bacteria from tick cells persist longer when injected into mice compared with mammalian macrophage-grown bacteria, and the host response is also significantly different. This review presents the current understanding of tick-Ehrlichia interactions and implications for future.
Insights
Emerging tick-borne Ehrlichia and Anaplasma bacteria pose health risks. This review explores how these pathogens adapt to tick and vertebrate hosts, impacting disease transmission and persistence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vector-borne Diseases
Background:
- Tick-borne rickettsial pathogens, including Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species, are emerging threats.
- Diseases like human monocytic ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are of growing public health concern.
- These bacteria infect both arthropod (tick) and vertebrate hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of interactions between ticks and Ehrlichia species.
- To explore pathogen adaptation strategies within diverse host environments.
- To discuss implications for disease emergence and control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on tick-Ehrlichia interactions.
- Analysis of studies on pathogen gene expression and morphology in different hosts.
- Examination of immunological and persistence data.
Main Results:
- Ehrlichia species exhibit distinct protein expression and morphology in tick versus vertebrate cells.
- Host cell-specific gene expression aids pathogen survival and evasion of host defenses.
- Bacteria adapted to tick environments demonstrate enhanced persistence in vertebrate models.
Conclusions:
- Tick-Ehrlichia interactions are crucial for pathogen survival and transmission.
- Understanding host-specific adaptations is key to managing emerging tick-borne diseases.
- Further research into these interactions can inform future therapeutic and preventative strategies.
