AUTHORS: Whitney Anthonysamy, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy; Elizabeth Biro, Washington University in St. Louis; Solny Adalsteinsson, Washington University in St. Louis
ABSTRACT: As tick-borne diseases (TBD) are a growing public health problem in the United States, Missouri faces an increase in tick populations and their associated pathogens. Geographic range expansion and increased abundance of many tick species, including the lone star tick, are attributed to human landscape disturbance, increases in host species such as white-tailed deer, and climate change. The lone star tick, an aggressive biter and a vector for many human pathogens, is widely distributed across the eastern half of the United States and abundant throughout the state of Missouri. Although increased health risks are apparent, Missouri lacks a statewide TBD surveillance program, creating an opportunity to investigate pathogen prevalence. In this study, we present preliminary results from screening adult and nymphal lone star ticks collected in St. Louis County for the presence of bacterial pathogens, including Ehrlichia sp. This research will provide valuable data on TBD prevalence in St. Louis County and establish protocols for expanding surveillance efforts across Missouri.
