PCR detection of tick-borne Anaplasma phagocytophilum pathogens : a review

Tick-borne infections such as granulocytic anaplasmosis number among emerging infectious diseases. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular bacterial parasite infecting the granulocytes of vertebrates. This bacterium is the aetiologic agent of HGA (human granulocytic anaplasmosis). Molecular methods allow quick and accurate detection of pathogens in ticks, humans, or animals. Monitoring of the environment for A. phagocytophilum involves both classical and nested PCR, since these simple methods are most efficient. As markers, parts of the 16S rRNA, ankA, groESL, msp2, or msp4 genes are used for analyses. Molecular methods have enabled analysis of the genomes of pathogens, differentiation between strains and thus, in association with ecological studies, they facilitate an understanding of their biology, pathogenicity and mode of diffusion in the natural environment.