Surveillance of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infections in Murines in Kinmen Area, 2014

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20150728.31(14).001

Ming Hui Weng^＊, Hui Ping Tsai, Pey Ru Lin, Kuo Ching Cheng, Ming Der Guo, Chang Chi Lin

2015 Vol.31 NO.14

Correspondence Author： Ming Hui Weng

Abstract：

The surveillance of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in wild murines was conducted on the main islandof Kinmen in 6 field sites on May 19–21, 2014. Livers and spleens were obtained from 58 murines, including 39 Rattus losea exiguus, and 19 Suncus murinus,followed by DNA extraction and nested PCR.A. phagocytophilum DNA was detected in 10 out of 58 murines (17.2%), fromliver in 6 rodents, from spleen in 7 rodents, and from both liver and spleen in 3 rodents. In terms of geographic distribution, murines captured from 5 out of 6 field sites were positive for A.phagocytophilum DNA, suggesting that A. phagocytophilum could be widely present in wilderness areas of Kinmen. A. phagocytophilum was the pathogen of human granulocytic ehrlichioses transmitted by ticks. Therefore, when a patient who develops fever of unknown origin after tick bites is recognized in these areas, our results can be used as a reference for diagnosis.