The hypothesis is that the agent of HGE is distinct from other previously identified agents of human ehrlichiosis, yet is similar or identical to E. equi.  Thus, the comparative ecology and pathogenesis of EGE relates directly to HGE and human health.
Specific aims for testing;
1. to determine the major immunoreactive, surface-exposed proteins of the agent of HGE.
2. to clone and sequence two genes for immunodominant, surface-exposed proteins of the HGE agent.
3. to determine the tissue and cell tropism of the HGE agent in the horse model and in cell culture.
4. to demonstrate the unique HGE biology by virtue of the specificity of the interactions of rickettsiae, tick vectors, and hosts in transmission via Ixodes scapularis ticks.
Spirochaeta and Rickettsia Laboratory
Department of Medicine and Epidemiology
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California
Davis, California 95616-8737
Phone: (530)752-2371, FAX: (530)752-0414
E-mail: ewderock@ucdavis.edu
 Designed by Joon-seok Chae. Send comments and suggestions to:
jchae@ucdavis.edu