Ehrlichia

Definition

Ehrlichia is a genus of obligate intracellular bacteria that are transmitted by ticks and can cause the disease ehrlichiosis in humans and animals. These bacteria primarily infect white blood cells, leading to various clinical symptoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ehrlichia belongs to the Alphaproteobacteria class within the Proteobacteria phylum.
2. These bacteria are typically transmitted through tick bites, particularly from the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) in the United States.
3. Ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia species, often presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes rash.
4. Commonly studied species include Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii.
5. Diagnosis of ehrlichiosis is often confirmed through serological tests or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assays.

Review Questions

• What class within the Proteobacteria phylum does Ehrlichia belong to?
• How is Ehrlichia primarily transmitted to humans and animals?
• Name two common species of Ehrlichia that are studied in microbiology.

Related terms

Rickettsia: A genus of obligate intracellular bacteria transmitted by arthropods, causing diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Anaplasma: A genus of bacteria similar to Ehrlichia, also transmitted by ticks and causing anaplasmosis.

Tick-borne diseases: Diseases that are spread by tick bites, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis.