Disparity in the Natural Cycles of Borrelia burgdorferi and the Agent of Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis
Author Information
Author(s): Michael L. Levin, Franka des Vignes, Durland Fish
Primary Institution: Yale School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Are mice exposed to or currently infected with the agent of HGE continuously infested with large numbers of ticks and capable of increasing the prevalence of infection in a natural tick population?
Conclusion
The study suggests that while white-footed mice are susceptible to both pathogens, they are not as effective in amplifying the agent of HGE as they are for Borrelia burgdorferi.
Supporting Evidence
- 52% of white-footed mice were infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Prevalence of the agent of HGE increased 4.5- to 10.6-fold from nymphal to adult stage.
- Only 18% of mice were infectious to ticks for the agent of HGE.
- B. burgdorferi infection was more common in mouse-fed ticks than in ticks collected from vegetation.
- The prevalence of the agent of HGE was lower in mouse-fed ticks compared to those collected from vegetation.
Takeaway
The study looked at how ticks that feed on mice can spread two diseases, and found that mice help spread one disease more than the other.
Methodology
Ticks were collected from two sites and tested for infections, while mice were trapped and tested for antibodies to the agent of HGE.
Limitations
The study may not account for all host species involved in the transmission cycles of the pathogens.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and Ixodes scapularis ticks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.44x10-7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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