A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ANAPLASMOSIS EMERGENCE IN THE ESTRIE REGION

2022-2024

Anaplasmosis is emerging in Quebec. In 2021, there was an outbreak of 35 human cases in the Estrie region, in the south of the province, which represents the highest number of cases reported in a single region in Canada. Why is this happening and what do we know about Anaplasmosis?

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Anaplasmosis is vector-borne disease, caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum and transmitted by the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in eastern and central Canada. The zoonotic strain is pathogenic for humans, horses and dogs. Reservoir hosts for the bacteria are not well known in Canada. In the US, many small mammals species seem to contribute to the transmission cycle, like mice, shrews, chipmunks, and squirrels.

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Our project focuses on the eco-epidemiology of anaplasmosis, reservoir hosts and interactions between hosts and ticks. The aim is to determine which species of small mammals can act as competent reservoir hosts for the zoonotic strain of Anaplasmosis.

PRINCIPAL RESEARCHERS