02/18/2018 / By Ralph Flores
The spirochetal bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the causative agent of Lyme disease, is known to be transmitted to humans through the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). However, with the lone star tick’s (Amblyomma americanum) recent spread to northern regions, many have also associated it with the spread of Lyme disease. In a paper that was published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, researchers highlighted that lone star ticks – while they carry with them pathogenic bacteria – are not responsible for Lyme disease.
Researchers believe that debunking this misconception will raise awareness of other problems that are caused by lone star ticks.
Find the full text of the study at this link.
Journal Reference:
Stromdahl EY, Nadolny RM, Hickling GJ, Hamer SA, Ogden NH, Casal C, Heck GA, Gibbons JA, Cremeans TF, Pilgard MA. AMBLYOMMA AMERICANUM (ACARI: IXODIDAE) TICKS ARE NOT VECTORS OF THE LYME DISEASE AGENT, BORRELIA BURGDORFERI (SPIROCHEATALES: SPIROCHAETACEAE): A REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE. Journal of Medical Entomology. 2018. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjx250
Tagged Under: Amblyomma americanum, black-legged tick, Borrelia burgdorferi, Lone Star tick, Lyme disease, tick-borne illnesses