A reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) one-stage nested PCR (nPCR) for Anaplasma centrale and a nested PCR for Anaplasma marginale were used to detect infected cattle grazing within an endemic region in Israel. A novel set of PCR primers and oligonucleotide probes based on a 16S ribosomal RNA gene was designed for RLB detection of both Anaplasma species, and the performance of the molecular as...

The infectivity of Anaplasma marginale was maintained in liquid nitrogen storage throughout a 4-yr test period.

Field-collected ticks were used to infect goats with either Ap-ha, a strain associated with human disease, or a variant strain, Ap-Variant 1, of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Goats were shown to be competent as a reservoir for Ap-Variant 1, and challenge and immunosuppression studies were used to further examine infection in the goat model.

Following the accidental finding of inclusion bodies similar to Anaplasma platys in a stained blood smear from a cat, DNA analysis of the 16S rRNA gene was performed and 100% identity was found with different strains of A. platys. These data confirm that cats are susceptible to parasitism by A. platys.

A total of 2,121 small mammals in California were assessed for Anaplasma phagocytophilum from 2006 through 2008. Odds ratios were >1 for 4 sciurids species and dusky-footed woodrats. High seroprevalence was observed in northern sites. Ten tick species were identified. Heavily infested rodent species included meadow voles, woodrats, deer mice, and redwood chipmunks.

We have previously described a comparative genome analysis of nine strains of Anaplasma phagocytophilum that showed similarity between strains infecting humans and U.S. dogs and a more distant relationship with horse and ruminant strains. This suggested that it may be possible to distinguish human-infective strains using simple DNA sequence-based diagnostic tests. This would be of epidemiologic...

Sequences from the Anaplasma phagocytophilum 16S rRNA gene were detected in 5 ticks representing 3 species (Hyalomma marginatum, Rhipicephalus turanicus, and Boophilus kohlsi) collected from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Mount Carmel, Israel. The sequences were all identical to those of Ap-variant 1 strain.

Immunization of cattle with native MSP1 induces protection against Anaplasma marginale. The native immunogen is composed of a single MSP1a protein and multiple, undefined MSP1b polypeptides. In addition to the originally sequenced gene, designated msp1beta(F1), we identified three complete msp1beta genes in the Florida strain: msp1beta(F2), msp1beta(F3), and msp1beta(F4). Each of these polymorp...

Two batches of unfed Rhipicephalus simus nymphae carrying Anaplasma marginale were incubated for 72 h and 96 h respectively at 37 degrees C. Fifty ticks were triturated at a time and the homogenates were used to infect susceptible cattle. Others were prefed on a bovine host for 72 h before tick suspensions were prepared. The same procedure was followed, using a single batch of infected adult ti...

Sir Arnold Theiler's research in 1908/09 led to the discovery of the first rickettsial pathogen, Anaplasma marginale, and set the stage for his development and implementation of an effective live vaccine based on a less virulent strain, A. marginale ss. centrale. His 1910 report, describing A. marginale, is among the classic monographs in infectious disease research, presenting not only observa...