First Molecular Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilumin European Brown Bear (Ursus arctos).

AbstractIn Europe, Anaplasma phagocytophilumcirculates in natural foci in a tick-host cycle. Up to now, antibodies against A. phagocytophilumas well as pathogen's DNA were recorded in several domestic and wild animals. Nevertheless, the reservoir host range is still under investigation. Tissue samples from European brown bears (Ursus arctos) were tested for the presence of A. phagocytophilumDNA by a PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene. The results of our study provides the evidence, that the range of animals involved in the circulation and maintenance of A. phagocytophilumin natural foci, is extended of another ursine carnivore, European brown bear (Ursus arctos). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]