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Anaplasma Phagocytophilum, a Zoonotic Vector-Borne Bacterial Species in Rodents and Its Associated Tick Vector:

Maropeng C Monyama1, Tsepo Ramatla2, Bradly Khosa1

  • 1Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa.

Veterinary Medicine and Science
|May 5, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a cause of tick-borne fever, is primarily found in rodents and ticks. This review confirms various tick species act as vectors, infecting numerous rodent hosts that may encounter humans.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes tick-borne fever, typically maintained in tick-rodent cycles.
  • Humans are considered incidental hosts in the Anaplasma phagocytophilum transmission cycle.
  • This study updates evidence on the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in rodents and associated ticks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and consolidate evidence on Anaplasma phagocytophilum occurrence in rodents.
  • To identify tick species acting as vectors for Anaplasma phagocytophilum in rodent populations.
  • To update the understanding of the tick-rodent cycle of Anaplasma phagocytophilum.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
  • Searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for articles published between January 2000 and August 2023.
  • Evaluated 23 eligible studies for Anaplasma phagocytophilum detection in rodents and ticks.

Main Results:

  • 43.5% of studies reported Anaplasma phagocytophilum detection only in rodents; 26.1% reported negative detection in both.
  • Apodemus spp. were the most frequently reported rodent hosts, followed by Microtus spp. and Myodes spp.
  • Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes trianguliceps were the most common tick vectors studied, alongside Dermacentor and Haemaphysalis species.

Conclusions:

  • Rodents serve as significant hosts and carriers of Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
  • Various tick species are confirmed vectors, transmitting the bacterium to diverse rodent hosts.
  • Understanding this cycle is crucial, as infected rodents may interact with human populations.
Keywords:
Anaplasma phagocytophilumrodentstick vector

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