Evaluation of vectorial competence of Amblyomma cajennense, Amblyomma triste and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick species in the transmission of granulocytic anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum) agent

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA), and Tick-Borne Fever in ruminants agent, is a gram-negative bacteria which parasites mainly neutrophils and eosinophils, and whose biological cycle is maintained between Ixodes persulcatus complex-ticks and vertebrate reservoirs in environment. Recently, the agent was detected in dogs and wild birds by molecular approaches, and serologically in equines in Brazil. Even though serological evidence of exposure to Anaplasmataceae agents has been reported in human beings from Brazil, the agent has not been isolated neither characterized by molecular techniques. The present study aims at assessing the vectorial competence of Amblyomma cajennense, Amblyomma triste and Rhipicephalus microplus tick species in A. phagocytophilum transmission. This work will contribute to a better understanding of epidemiology and biological cycle of A. phagocytophilum in Brazil, and to elaboration of spatial models of risk areas for A. phagocytophilum infection to human beings and domestic animals in the future. (AU)