The proposed research improves our understanding of the zoonotic transmission of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis. The etiologic agent of this newly emerging, sometimes fatal zoonotic disease is antigenically and genetically almost identical to a well described pathogen of horses (equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis) that occurs most frequently in areas corresponding to the natural range of the suspected tick vector, Ixodes pacificus. Midwestern and eastern HGE cases have been associated with exposure to the eastern tick Ixodes scapularis. Because L scapularis does not occur west of the Rocky Mountains, and because aspects of HGE and E. equi epidemiology appear to differ between California and east coast cases, it is necessary to explore the ecology of HGE in the specific context of disease """"""""hot spots"""""""" in the California coast range. Such an exploration would consist of identifying naturally infected reservoir species, confirming the vector species, and identifying routes of zoonosis that serve to place humans at risk for disease. ThIs study will thoroughly describe the epidemiology and natural history of HGE, and will serve as a training grant allowing Dr. Foley to develop skills as an independent researcher. Dr. Foley is ideally suited for thin project, because she has previous training in internal medicine, wildlife biology, and disease ecology. This project, when complete, will provide us with information about the spatial and temporal distribution of HGE, and major zoonotic risk factors for humans acquiring this possibly fatal disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08AI001463-03
Application #
2886060
Study Section
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases B Subcommittee (MID)
Program Officer
Baker, Phillip J
Project Start
1997-07-01
Project End
2001-06-30
Budget Start
1999-07-01
Budget End
2000-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Davis
Department
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
094878337
City
Davis
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95618
Foley, Janet E; Foley, Patrick; Brown, Richard N et al. (2004) Ecology of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi in the western United States. J Vector Ecol 29:41-50
Foley, J E; Leutenegger, C M; Dumler, J S et al. (2003) Evidence for modulated immune response to Anaplasma phagocytophila sensu lato in cats with FIV-induced immunosuppression. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 26:103-13
Weber, David K; Danielson, Kathleen; Wright, Stan et al. (2002) Hematology and serum biochemistry values of dusky-footed wood rat (Neotoma fuscipes). J Wildl Dis 38:576-82
Foley, Janet E; Kramer, Vicki; Weber, David (2002) Experimental infection of dusky-footed wood rats (Neotoma fuscipes) with Ehrlichia phagocytophila sensu lato. J Wildl Dis 38:194-8
Foley, J E; Foley, P; Madigan, J E (2001) Spatial distribution of seropositivity to the causative agent of granulocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs in California. Am J Vet Res 62:1599-605
Foley, J E; Crawford-Miksza, L; Dumler, J S et al. (1999) Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in Northern California: two case descriptions with genetic analysis of the Ehrlichiae. Clin Infect Dis 29:388-92
Foley, J E; Foley, P; Jecker, M et al. (1999) Granulocytic ehrlichiosis and tick infestation in mountain lions in California. J Wildl Dis 35:703-9