Detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA in Amblyomma americanum ticks in Connecticut and Rhode Island

Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the causative agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis, is transmitted by Amblyomma americanum ticks, which are most abundant in t he southern United States. Because serologic evidence suggests that residen ts of Connecticut are exposed to E. chaffeensis, A. americanum ticks were c ollected in Connecticut and Rhode Island for PCR analysis to detect E. Chaf feensis DNA. Eight of 106 (7.6%) A. americanum ticks from Connecticut and 6 of 52 (11.5%) from Rhode Island contained E; chaffeensis DNA Thus, E. chaf feensis is present in ticks in southern New England and transmission of E. chaffeensis mag occur there.