Ehrlichiosis is a general term used to describe several bacterial diseases that affect humans and animals. Members of the Ehrlichia genus are Gram-negative, rod shaped bacteria that live inside white blood cells. The lone star tick is the primary vector of this disease, although the Ixodes tick is also a known vehicle of transmission. For […]
Borrelia miyamotoi is a spirochete that causes a syndrome similar to tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF). It is transmitted by the black-leggedIxodes tick, which is also implicated in the transmission of Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. This pathogen was first discovered in Japan in 1995, but has since been identified in other parts of the world. […]
Members of the Bartonella genus are Gram-negative rod shaped bacteria that live exclusively inside cells. Bartonella is transmitted via fleas, lice, sand flies, cat scratches, and ticks. Bartonella henselae, the most commonly identified member of the genus, is the causative agent of cat scratch disease. As its name suggests, this disease is often caused by […]
Babesiosis is a tick-borne illness caused by the Babesia parasite. Over 100 distinct species have been identified, although only a few are known human pathogens. Babesia replicates in the host’s red blood cells and is spread by the Lyme disease causing black-legged deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). In endemic areas, the disease has also reportedly been […]
Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA), or simply, anaplasmosis, is a disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The pathogen infects white blood cells and is transmitted by the Lyme disease-causing black-legged Ixodes ticks. Clinical presentation of anaplasmosis is variable and often includes headaches, fever, muscle pain, and a general feeling of discomfort. Less frequently, patients experience joint pain […]
