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Ehrlichia-like 16S rDNA sequence from wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
J E Dawson1, C K Warner, V Baker
1Viral and Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
The Journal of Parasitology
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Wild white-tailed deer (WTD) may harbor a novel Ehrlichia-like agent, distinct from Ehrlichia chaffeensis. This finding suggests a potential new reservoir for tick-borne diseases in deer populations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- The reservoir hosts for Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the cause of human ehrlichiosis, remain unidentified.
- White-tailed deer (WTD) have been previously suggested as potential reservoirs, with experimental evidence supporting their susceptibility and deer-to-deer transmission by the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Ehrlichia chaffeensis or related agents in wild white-tailed deer populations.
- To characterize any identified Ehrlichia-like agents found in these deer.
Main Methods:
- Collected whole blood samples from 10 wild white-tailed deer in Oklahoma and Georgia.
- Screened deer for antibodies reactive to Ehrlichia chaffeensis.
- Utilized restriction enzyme mapping and 16S rDNA gene sequencing to identify and characterize Ehrlichia-like agents.
Main Results:
- All 10 deer tested exhibited antibodies reactive to Ehrlichia chaffeensis.
- Ehrlichia chaffeensis was not isolated from the deer.
- Genetic analysis revealed a unique Ehrlichia-like agent present in all sampled deer, suggesting a uniform infection within this group.
- Amblyomma americanum is suspected as the vector based on prior temporal associations.
Conclusions:
- Wild white-tailed deer harbor a distinct Ehrlichia-like agent, not previously identified.
- This agent represents a potential novel reservoir for tick-borne ehrlichial diseases.
- Further research is required to determine the agent's taxonomic classification, antigenic properties, geographic range, epidemiology, and zoonotic potential.