Ticks can carry several different pathogens capable of several different tick-borne diseases, sometimes in a single tick, according to a study in mBio < link >. Notably, the lone star tick is a very aggressive tick that can transmit a bacterium that causes a disease known as Ehrlichiosis. The lone star tick has also been implicated in cases of a novel form of meat allergy, and the immature stages can cause an uncomfortable dermatitis.
In evaluating tick-borne infection, more than one organism needs to be considered. The study emphasizes the need to focus on all tick-borne diseases, not just Lyme.” Senior author Rafal Tokarz, PhD
Source: Bovine Veterinarian, September 20, 2019. Link. Polymicrobial infections represent an important aspect of tick-borne diseases that can complicate diagnosis and augment disease severity. Some of the polymicrobial infections can be treated with the same antibiotics, but others require different therapies, thus enlarging the number of drugs to treat these infections, shared corresponding author Jorge Benach, PhD.
Also see: Tick, tick, tick . . . TICK! Animal Health Digest, June 11, 2019. Link.
INSIGHTS: This article reinforces the need to control tick exposure on animals, on properties and between animal owners and their critters. The study may garner media attention and prompt owners to inquire about tick prevention. Consider sharing the article with local media with a prevention message during fall tick quest periods < link >.