Vector transmission ofBartonellaspecies with emphasis on the potential for tick transmission

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Abstract
Bartonellaspecies are gram‐negative bacteria that infect erythrocytes, endothelial cells and macrophages, often leading to persistent blood‐borne infections. Because of the ability of variousBartonellaspecies to reside within erythrocytes of a diverse number of animal hosts, there is substantial opportunity for the potential uptake of these blood‐borne bacteria by a variety of arthropod vectors that feed on animals and people. FiveBartonellaspecies are transmitted by lice, fleas or sandflies. However,BartonellaDNA has been detected orBartonellaspp. have been cultured from numerous other arthropods. This review discussesBartonellatransmission by sandflies, lice and fleas, the potential for transmission by other vectors, and data supporting transmission by ticks. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or culture methods have been used to detectBartonellain ticks, either questing or host‐attached, throughout the world. Case studies and serological or molecular surveys involving humans, cats and canines provide indirect evidence supporting transmission ofBartonellaspecies by ticks. Of potential clinical relevance, many studies have proposed co‐transmission ofBartonellawith other known tick‐borne pathogens. Currently, critically important experimental transmission studies have not been performed forBartonellatransmission by many potential arthropod vectors, including ticks.