The Role of Adult Ixodes Dammini (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Transmission of Lyme Disease in New Jersey, USA

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Abstract
We report here direct and epidemiologic evidence regarding the role of Ixodes dammini in the transmission of Lyme disease (LD) in New Jersey, USA. Dates of onset of cases within an endemic LD focus in Monmouth County, New Jersey, were compared to the seasonal population levels of all stages of I. dammini. The removal of a female from the site of erythema chronicum migrans in 1 patient and seasonal population trends indicated that adult I. dammini are responsible for fall transmission of LD. Furthermore, evidence is presented that suggests that adult I. dammini play a significant role in the spring transmission of the disease. The role of immature I. dammini in LD transmission is also discussed.