Detection and characterization of a novel spotted fever group Rickettsia genotype in Haemophysalis leporispalustris from California, USA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2018

Publication Title

Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases

DOI

10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.02.023

ISSN

1877-959X

Abstract

The rabbit tick, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris Packard, is known for its association with Rickettsia rickettsii as it harbors both virulent and avirulent strains of this pathogen. In this manuscript we report findings and preliminary characterization of a novel spotted fever group rickettsia (SFGR) in rabbit ticks from California, USA. Rickettsia sp. CA6269 (proposed “Candidatus Rickettsia lanei”) is most related to known R. rickettsii isolates but belongs to its own well-supported branch different from those of all R. rickettsii including strain Hlp2 and from Rickettsia sp. 364D (also known as R. philipii) and R. peacockii. This SFGR probably exhibits both transovarial and transstadial survival since it was found in both questing larvae and nymphs. Although this rabbit tick does not frequently bite humans, its role in maintenance of other rickettsial agents and this novel SFGR warrant further investigation.

Comments

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Copyright

Copyright belongs to Elsevier. Information regarding the dissemination and usage of journal articles can be accessed through the following links.

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