Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) as a Vector of Ehrlichia equi (Rickettsiales: Ehrlichieae)

• DOI: 10.1093/jmedent/33.1.1
• Publication Date: 2015-01-23T19:12:39Z
• Authors: P. J. Richter; R. B. Kimsey; J. E. Madigan; J. E. Barlough; J. S. Dumler; D. L. Brooks
• Keywords: Ehrlichiosis; Parasitiformes; Tick-borne disease

Ehrlichia equi, a rickettsia described from horses in California 30 yr ago, causes equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis throughout the Americas and possibly Europe. Here, we report experimental transmission of E. equi infected to susceptible through bites western blacklegged ticks, Ixodes pacificus (Cooley & Kohls). In preliminary field studies, only I. pacificiis consistently infested vegetation at 3 locations with contemporary cases ehrlichosis, particular, was species found attached all horses. Exposure ticks genus poses previously unrecognized serious health risks humans animals.