A Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia from an Exotic Tick Species, Amblyomma exornatum (Acari: Ixodidae), in a Reptile Breeding Facility in the United States

Authors: Reeves, Will K.; Durden, Lance A.; Dasch, Gregory A.

Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 43, Number 5, September 2006 , pp. 1099-1101(3)

Publisher: Entomological Society of America

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Abstract:

Adults and nymphs of Amblyomma exornatum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae), an exotic African tick of monitor lizards, were collected from a Gray's monitor lizard, Varanus olivaceus Hallowell, that died in a reptile facility in Alabama. Nine adult ticks were tested by polymerase chain reaction for rickettsial agents. DNA from a novel spotted fever group Rickettsia was amplified and sequenced from one of the nine ticks. The novel Rickettsia was most similar to “Rickettsia anan,” which is associated with Amblyomma from Asia. The detection of a spotted fever group Rickettsia in exotic ticks emphasizes the potential threat posed by the importation and propagation of exotic animals in the United States.

Keywords: exotic species; zoonotic disease; imported animals; foreign animal disease

Document Type: Short communication

Publication date: 2006-09-01

More about this publication?

Journal of Medical Entomology is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The journal publishes reports on all phases of medical entomology and medical acarology, including the systematics and biology of insects, acarines, and other arthropods of public health and veterinary significance.

The journal is divided into the following sections: Morphology, Systematics, Evolution; Sampling, Distribution, Dispersal; Development, Life History; Population and Community Ecology; Behavior, Chemical Ecology; Population Biology/Genetics; Molecular Biology/Genomics; Neurobiology, Physiology, Biochemistry; Vector Control, Pest Management, Resistance, Repellents; Arthropod/Host Interaction, Immunity; Vector/Pathogen/Host Interaction, Transmission; Vector-Borne Diseases, Surveillance, Prevention; Direct Injury, Myiasis, Forensics; Modeling/GIS, Risk Assessment, Economic Impact. In addition to full-length research articles, the journal publishes interpretive articles in a Forum section, Short Communications, Rapid Communications, and Book Reviews.
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A Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia from an Exotic Tick Species, Amblyomma exornatum (Acari: Ixodidae), in a Reptile Breeding Facility in the United States

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