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Anaplasma phagocytophilum: Deceptively simple or simply deceptive?

  • Maiara S. Severo
  • , Kimberly D. Stephens
  • , Michail Kotsyfakis
  • , Joao Hf Pedra

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular rickettsial pathogen transmitted by ixodid ticks. This bacterium colonizes myeloid and nonmyeloid cells and causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis - an important immunopathological vector-borne disease in the USA, Europe and Asia. Recent studies uncovered novel insights into the mechanisms of A. phagocytophilum pathogenesis and immunity. Here, we provide an overview of the underlying events by which the immune system responds to A. phagocytophilum infection, how this pathogen counteracts host immunity and the contribution of the tick vector for microbial transmission. We also discuss current scientific gaps in the knowledge of A. phagocytophilum biology for the purpose of exchanging research perspectives.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)719-731
Number of pages13
JournalFuture Microbiology
Volume7
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • obligate intracellular bacterium
  • rickettsial agents
  • ticks
  • vector-borne diseases

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