Amblyomma americanum, commonly known as the lone star tick, is a species of tick that can transmit various bacterial infections to humans. It is predominantly found in the southeastern and eastern United States.
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Amblyomma americanum is a primary vector for Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the causative agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis.
This tick species can also transmit Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Lone star ticks are known to cause Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), which presents with a rash similar to Lyme disease but is considered less severe.
They are identifiable by a distinctive white dot or 'lone star' on the back of adult females.
Amblyomma americanum has been implicated in alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat caused by a reaction to a carbohydrate transferred during bites.
Review Questions
What bacterial infection associated with Amblyomma americanum causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis?
Which illness characterized by a rash similar to Lyme disease can be transmitted by lone star ticks?
What unique physical feature helps identify adult female Amblyomma americanum?