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| Dr Richard Hunt | BACTERIOLOGY | IMMUNOLOGY | MYCOLOGY | PARASITOLOGY | VIROLOGY | |
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All
life cycle diagrams in this section are courtesy of the DPDx
Parasite Image Library
PART ONE |
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Ticks are found worldwide. They are blood-sucking, opportunistic parasites that can attach to the skin of a variety of vertebrate hosts. They have no segmentation and are dorso-ventrally flat with four pairs of legs (figure 1). Although all stages of the tick life cycle can suck blood, it is normally the adult tick that poses a problem for humans. Human tick-associated diseases are most common in the summer months when the likelihood of contact increases during outdoor activities, usually in wooded areas. Being bitten by a tick is often painless and the presence of the tick may not be detected for some time. Often the tick poses no problem for the human host other than an erythromatous papule and it drops off after engorging on blood. Sometimes, the site of attachment may itch and become painful. Secondary infections of the wound site may occur, often as a result of the mouthparts remaining attached after the tick is removed. Ticks can attach anywhere on the body but are frequently found at the hairline, around the ears, groin, armpits etc. Whilst the bites of most ticks are inconsequential, they can carry a number of human disease agents including viruses, bacteria and protozoa. There are two families of ticks: the hard ticks (Ixodidae) and the soft ticks (Argasidae) (figure 1). The Ixodidae attach to their host over a prolonged period of time (several days) while the Argasidae feed rapidly and then drop off. Consequently, they are frequently undetected. Although most tick-associated problems arise from disease-causing organisms carried by the ticks, in one case – tick paralysis – the problem arises directly from toxins in the tick’s saliva. Important disease-carrying ticks in the United States are: Hard ticks: Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) (figure 2 and 3A,B) which is found east of the Rocky Mountains and in some areas of the Pacific coast states Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni) (figure 3 C,D). As its name suggests, it is found in the Rocky Mountains and also in southwest Canada Deer Tick (Black-legged tick) (Ixodes scapularis) (figure 3 G,H, K). This occurs in the north east and north central United States. Western black legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) (figure 3 I,J) which is found in the Pacific coast states of the United States. Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanuguineus). Also known as the red dog tick (figure 3 M). This is found world-wide (all over the US and also southeast Canada) and can complete its entire life cycle indoors. It primarily infests dogs but can feed on other mammals including man. Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) (figure 3 E,F), found in south eastern and south central United States. Soft ticks:
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Figure 3 (below) |
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A. American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) CDC |
C. Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) CDC
G. Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) CDC
K. Ixodes scapularis, tick vector for Lyme disease. Also known as Ixodes dammini. CDC
F. Approximate distribution of the lone star tick CDC
J. Approximate distribution of the western blacklegged tick CDC
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Figure 4 Reported cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the United States, 1942-1996
Figure 5. Seasonal distribution of reported cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, 1993-1996 CDC
Figure 6. Rickettsial and Orientia infection of endothelial cells
Figure 7. Gimenez stain of tick hemolymph cells infected with R. rickettsii CDC
Figure 8. Characteristic spotted rash of late-stage Rocky Mountain spotted fever on legs of a patient, ca. 1946 CDC
Figure 9. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Early (macular) rash on sole of foot CDC
Figure 10. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Late (petechial) rash on palm and forearm CDC ![]() Figure 11. This lesion, caused by Rocky Mountain spotted fever, is located on the roof (hard palate) of this child's mouth. CDC |
DISEASES FOR WHICH HARD TICKS ARE CARRIERS BACTERIAL DISEASES ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER There are several hundred reported cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever each year in the United States (ranging, during the past half century, from a low of about 200 to more than 1200 in the early 1980’s). The numbers are again rising (figure 4). Most at risk are children under 15 years of age. Usually, cases occur in the summer because of higher numbers of ticks and more frequent contact of humans with ticks (figure 5). Epidemiology Elsewhere in central and south America, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Amblyomma cajennense carry Ricketsia rickettsii. The disease is known as fiebre manchada in Mexico; São Paulo fever or fiebre maculosa in Brazil; tick typhus or Tobia fever in Colombia. Symptoms Initially, the rash is formed of small, flat, pink, non-itchy macules (spots) on the wrists, forearms, and ankles (figure 9 and 10). Subsequently, the macules become raised on the skin and there is pain (in the abdomen and joints) and diarrhea. The characteristic red rash, which occurs in up to 60% of patients, is found at the extremities (the palms and soles of feet). A minority of patients never progress to this stage. Laboratory tests show thrombocytopenia, hyponatremia and/or elevated levels of liver enzymes. Severe cases require hospitalization and can result in paralysis of the extremities and may even be life-threatening. Very severe sequelae include gangrene that may result in amputation, deafness, and incontinence. Treatment Laboratory detection Prevention
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Figure 12.Thumb with skin ulcer of tularemia. CDC/Emory U./Dr. Sellers
Figure 16. Average annual incidence rate of tularemia by sex and age group - United States, 1990-2000 CDC
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TULAREMIA This is also carried by the two Dermacentor species. Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which is carried by rodents, rabbits and hares; as a result tularemia is otherwise known as rabbit fever. One of the several ways that humans can be infected is by being bitten by a tick that has acquired the bacterium after biting one of these animals; however, it can also be inhaled during the handling of infected rodents. There have been no reports to person-to-person transmission. Francisella tularensis is very infectious. Tularemia occurs all across the continental United States but is relatively rare, with about 200 cases being reported each year (figure 15, 16). Symptoms Diagnosis is initially from the symptoms but confirmatory laboratory tests using Gram or other stains (figure 14) or immunofluorescence microscopy are used to visualize the infecting bacteria. Treatment
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![]() Figure 17. Coxiella burnetii , the organism responsible for Q fever
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Q FEVER
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Various farm animals (cattle sheep goats etc) are the
primary carriers of the bacterium Coxiella burnetii (figure 17) which causes Q fever.
Spread to humans is usually via inhalation of dust containing dried urine,
feces etc of infected animals. However, less commonly, the bacterium can be
transmitted via the bite of Dermacentor ticks. Ingestion of contaminated milk
can also lead to infection. C. burnetii infects macrophages and
survives in the phagolysosome, where the bacteria multiply (figure 18). The bacteria are
released by lysis of the cells and phagolysosomes.
Symptoms
Acute Q fever
Many patients, about half, show no signs of infection but in others
after an incubation period of 1 - 2 weeks, there is a sudden onset of fever,
headache, general malaise, myalgia, sore throat, chills, sweats, non-productive
cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chest pain. The patient
may also appear confused. Many patients go on to the symptoms of pneumonia and
hepatitis but most recover in a month or two without treatment although acute Q
fever has a mortality rate of 1-2%.
Diagnosis
Serology to determine the presence of antibodies against Coxiella
burnetii is used.
Treatment
Antibiotics such as doxycyline are used to treat acute Q fever. For chronic
Q fever, two protocols have been investigated: doxycycline along with quinolones
for at least 4 years and doxycycline with hydroxychloroquine for 1.5 to 3 years.
There is a vaccine used in Australia for persons who may come in contact with C. burnettii but it is not commercially available in the United States.
Figure 20. Reported Cases of Ehrlichiosis in the United States CDC
Figure 21. Areas where human ehrlichiosis may occur based on approximate distribution of
vector tick species CDC
Figure 22. Approximate seasonal distribution of HGE in the United States CDC
Human ehrlichosis is carried by Dermacentor variabilis and by Amblyomma americanum and is caused by a number of bacteria of the Ehrlichia family, in the United States principally by Ehrlichia chaffeensis. These bacteria are small gram-negative organisms that infect leukocytes (figure 19). As with many tick-borne diseases, incidence follows vector distribution (figure 21) with higher incidence during the summer months (figure 22) when tick populations and contact with them are higher. The number of cases has been increasing (figure 20).
Diagnosis
Microscopy using blood smears or serology to detect anti-Ehrlichia
antibodies can be used.
Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis is caused by a species of Ehrlichia similar to species found in animals (Ehrlichia equi and Ehrlichia phagocytophila) and is transmitted by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and western blacklegged ticks (Ixodes pacificus).
Figure 24.
Lyme disease rash CDC
Figure 25. Morphology of Borrelia burgdorferi. Dark
field image ©
Jeffrey Nelson, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
and The MicrobeLibrary
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi (figure 25), which typically infects small mammals in the northeast and north central United States. It is transmitted to humans by Ixodid black legged ticks (deer ticks). There are over 20,000 cases per year in the United States making it the most common tick-borne disease in North America. The disease was first described from the town of Old Lyme in Connecticut but is found on both the east and west coasts and in the Mississippi valley (figure 23). In Europe, a similar disease is caused by Borrelia garinii or Borrelia afzelii.
Symptoms
Fever, headache and malaise and a characteristic rash named erythemia migrans (figure 24), which can occur in a few days but sometimes only after a few weeks, are typical of Lyme Disease. The rash (which is usually not painful) often has a bull’s eye appearance since as it grows (up to 30 cm across) the central region clears. If left untreated, the infection spreads and can result in Bell’s Palsy (partial paralysis of muscles in one or both sides of the face), meningitis, heart palpitations and severe joint pain. These symptoms usually resolve in a few weeks but after several months about 60% of patients will get severe joint swelling and arthritis. A small minority may also get neurologic symptoms (tingling of the extremities, shooting pains, numbness)
Treatment
Early administration with antibiotics (doxycycline, amoxicillin, or
cefuroxime axetil) is recommended. Some patients continue with neurological and
muscle pain problems even after antibiotic treatment. It is not known what
causes these but they may be autoimmune in nature.
Diagnosis
Various laboratory tests include Elisa, western blot
SOUTHERN TICK-ASSOCIATED RASH ILLNESS
This rash is similar to that seen in Lyme disease. The causative organism is not known but it is not Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease agent. The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, is the transmission vector.
Figure 28. Thin blood film of B.
microti ring forms with a typical Maltese Cross (four rings in cross
formation). © MicrobeLibrary and Lynne Garcia,
LSG & Associates
PROTOZOA
Babesiosis is carried by species of Ixodes including the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) in the north and mid-west of the United States and in other countries, including Europe. Babesia microti is the usual causative organism and is a hemoprotozoan (i.e. it circulates in the bloodstream). Normally, the two hosts of Babesia microti are ticks and peromyscus mice (Peromyscus leucopus). The tick infects the mice with sporozoites, which reproduce asexually in erythrocytes. These escape to the blood stream where they may form male and female gametes that are taken up by the tick during a blood meal. In the tick, the gametes fuse and go through a sporogonic cycle to form more sporozoites. Humans can also acquire sporozoites when bitten by an infected tick and are usually dead-end hosts but babesiosis has been transmitted to other humans via blood transfusions (figure 29).
In most cases, infection is asymptomatic but after a week to a month, symptoms can appear. These include fever, chills, sweating, myalgias and fatigue. In severe cases, hepatosplenomegaly and hemolytic anemia can occur. Normally, the patient recovers, although severe cases occur in immuno-compromised patients and the elderly.
Disease cause by another protozoan, Babesia divergens, can cause more severe and sometimes fatal cases of babesiosis.
Figure 29

Figure 31. Isolated male patient diagnosed with
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a tick-borne hemorrhagic fever. CDC
This is caused by a Nairovirus, a member of the Bunyaviridae. It is found in Eastern Europe and throughout the Mediterranean areas of southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, northwestern China, central and south Asia. Ixorid ticks (genus Hyalomma) spread the virus, which is also carried by numerous species of domestic and wild animals. Person to person transmission through infected blood and other body fluids has been documented.
This is sometimes confused with a mild case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever but Colorado Tick Fever is caused by a coltivirus, a member of the reoviruses. They are endemic to north western North America and are found in Ixodid ticks. The virus distribution closely matches that of its vector, Dermacentor andersoni.
Person-to-person transmission can occur by blood. Prolonged viremia observed in humans and rodents is due to the intraerythrocytic location of virions, which protects them from immune clearance.
This is a rare disease caused by a flavivirus carried by Ixodid ticks. There has been less than one case per year reported in the United States but mortality is high. It is widespread in North America and is found in small animal populations including woodchucks.
TICK-BORNE ENCEPHALITIS
(Also known as biphasic meningoencephalitis, central
European tick-borne encephalitis, Czechoslovak tick-borne encephalitis, diphasic
milk fever or viral meningoencephalitis)
This disease results from infection by tick-borne encephalitis virus, which is a member of the Flaviviridae.
Treatment
Supportive is indicated. There is an experimental killed vaccine in
Europe. In Sweden TBE vaccination is recommended for residents of and regular
visitors to TBE endemic areas.
This disease is similar to Russian spring-summer encephalitis and is also caused by flaviviruses. It is found only in the Kyasanur forest of Northern India. The disease occurs during the dry season as its tick vector (Haemaphyalis spinigera) begins to feed on humans. Local carriers are shrews and monkeys.
This is found in the British Isles and is caused by a flavivirus that is carried by pheasants and sheep, among other animals. It can infect many hosts via the tick vector, Ixodes ricinus. It causes mild encephalitis that gives the infected animal an unusual gait (hence its name). However, it can kill livestock and humans not given proper supportive care.
DISEASE CAUSED DIRECTLY BY HARD TICKS
In addition to being carriers of disease-causing microorganisms, some ticks (Amblyomma americanum and the two Dermacentor species) can cause tick paralysis. This is a rare disease caused by toxin in the saliva of the tick and results in an acute, ascending, flaccid paralysis caused by reduced acetyl choline or motor neuron action potentials. The paralysis, which is not associated with pain, starts a few days after the bite and comes on gradually over a period of days. The paralysis resolves surprisingly rapidly, usually within a day of the removal of the tick but if the tick is not removed the mortality rate, as a result of respiratory paralysis, can be as high as 10%. Tick paralysis can be confused with other acute neurologic disorders or diseases (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome or botulism).
WEB RESOURCES
EMERGING AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Coltiviruses and Seadornaviruses in North America, Europe, and Asia|
CDC
CASE REPORT
Cluster of Tick Paralysis Cases ---
Colorado, 2006
DISEASE FOR WHICH SOFT TICKS ARE CARRIERS
BACTERIA
Tick-borne relapsing fever is a rare disease (about 25 cases per year in the United States) and is caused by several spirochete bacterial species of the Borelia family. The transmission agents are soft ticks of the genus Ornithodoros. Soft ticks (family Argasidae) differ in many ways from the so-called hard ticks (family Ixodidae), but the most important is that they take brief meals from their host and then drop off. The bite is usually painless. Thus, they are far less likely to be found than the hard ticks that stay attached while feeding for hours. In the wild, these ticks are found in nesting materials when not feeding on their animal host. All stages of the life cycle can take blood meals.
The individual Borrelia species that cause tick-borne relapsing fever are usually associated with specific Ornithodoros tick vectors. B. hermsii is transmitted to humans by Ornithodoros hermsi, B. parkerii is transmitted by Ornithodoros parkeri and B. turicatae is transmitted by Ornithodoros turicata. Each tick is associated with a preferred environment and hosts. Ornithodoros hermsi is found at higher altitudes (1500 – 8000 feet) where it is associated usually with ground squirrels, tree squirrels and chipmunks. Ornithodoros parkeri occurs at lower elevations and inhabit caves and the burrows of ground squirrels, prairie dogs and burrowing owls. Ornithodoros turicata occurs in caves and ground squirrel, prairie dog or burrowing owls burrows in the plains regions of the Southwest United States.
Diagnosis
Microscope smears of blood, bone marrow or cerebrospinal fluid
stained with Giemsa or acridine orange. Serologic testing is also available.
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