Recent Emergence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ontario, Canada: Early Serological and Entomological Indicators

Author:

Nelder, M, Russell, CB, Lindsay, LR, Dibernardo, A, Brandon, NC, Pritchard, J, Johnson, S, Cronin, K, and Patel, S

Publication type:

Journal Article

Publication date:

2019-10

Journal/Series title:

Am J Trop Med Hyg

URL:

http://www.ajtmh.org/content/journals/10.4269/ajtmh.19-0166

Abstract:

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is transmitted to humans by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in eastern North America. To assess the emergence of A. phagocytophilum in Ontario, we analyzed patient serological and clinical data in combination with pathogen detection in blacklegged ticks from 2011 to 2017. The risk of HGA is presently low in Ontario; however, further research is required to document the epidemiology of HGA in the province. To minimize the impact of HGA emergence in Ontario, increased awareness and education of the public and health-care providers is recommended, with consideration to making HGA a reportable infection in Ontario.