Experimental evaluation of Peromyscus leucopus as a reservoir host of the Ehrlichia muris-like agent. Issue 1 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lynn, Geoffrey; Oliver, Jonathan; Cornax, Ingrid; O'Sullivan, M.; Munderloh, Ulrike
• Is Part Of: Parasites & vectors. Volume 10:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Ehrlichia muris -- EMLA -- Ixodes scapularis -- Tick phenology -- Peromyscus leucopus -- Reservoir competence -- Anaplasmataceae; Parasitism -- Periodicals; Parasites -- Periodicals; Vector-pathogen relationships -- Periodicals; Animals as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; Insects as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; 616.96
• DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1980-4
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-3305

Abstract

Abstract Background TheEhrlichia muris -like agent (EMLA) is a newly recognized human pathogen in the North Central United States. Although blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis ) have been identified as capable vectors, wild reservoirs have not yet been established for EMLA. As key hosts forI. scapularis, white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus ) are important reservoirs for various tick-borne pathogens, and potentially, for EMLA. The objective of this study was to evaluate reservoir competence inP. leucopus using a natural vector. Results Mice acquired EMLA infection from feeding ticks and were able to transmit infection to naïve ticks. Transmission between simultaneously feeding tick life stages was also demonstrated. Infections in mice were acute and severe, with systemic dissemination. Limited host survival and clearance of infection among survivors resulted in a narrow interval where EMLA could be acquired by feeding ticks. Conclusions Peromyscus leucopus is a competent reservoir of EMLA and likely to play a role in its enzootic transmission cycle. The duration and severity of EMLA infection in these hosts suggests that tick phenology is a critical factor determining the geographic distribution of EMLA in North America.