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A study conducted by researchers at Oklahoma State University aimed to understand the seasonal activity of Amblyomma americanum ticks and investigate the prevalence of tick-borne infectious agents in north central Oklahoma. Tick collections were performed over a two-year period, and the ticks were tested for Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Borrelia spp. The study found that adults were active earlier than historical trends suggest, and male ticks were active earlier than female ticks. Various tick-borne infectious agents were detected in the ticks, highlighting the need for further investigation into the seasonality of infection prevalence. [Extracted from the article]

For more information on this research see: Rickettsia Tillamookensis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) In Ixodes Scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) In Oklahoma. Of the positive ticks, 42 (79.2%) amplicon-positive Rickettsia samples were 100% identical to Rickettsia buchneri, 10 (18.9%) were 100% identical to R. tillamookensis strain Tillamook 23, and 1 (1.9%) specimen showed high identity for Rickettsia amblyommatis." According to the news editors, the research concluded: "This study highlights the importance of considering Rickettsia-specific assays when assessing Ixodes species ticks for potential pathogens.". [Extracted from the article]