Molecular detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis in Amblyomma parvum ticks collected in northern Argentina

In November - December 2006, we collected ticks from the vegetation and on mammal hosts, including humans, to investigate species composition and host range, to assess the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks, so as determine their potential role as vectors of tick-borne pathogens to humans. We detected for the first time Ehrlichia chaffeensis in ticks in South America, and we suggest the role of A. parvum, a tick that frequently parasitizes humans, as vector of the Human Granulocitic Ehrlichiosis agent.