Granulocytic ehrlichiosis in tick-immune guinea pigs

Infect Immun. 1998 Apr;66(4):1803-5. doi: 10.1128/IAI.66.4.1803-1805.1998.

Abstract

We investigated whether Ixodes scapularis-mediated host immunity interrupts transmission of the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (aoHGE) to guinea pigs. Ticks infected with aoHGE readily transmitted aoHGE to tick-immune guinea pigs, despite incomplete tick engorgement and host attachment. Although tick immunity can prevent Lyme borreliosis, protection is not afforded against granulocytic ehrlichiosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ehrlichiosis / prevention & control*
  • Ehrlichiosis / transmission
  • Female
  • Guinea Pigs
  • HL-60 Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Ixodes / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Mice, SCID
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction