Detection of Rickettsia montanensis in Dermacentor variabilis in Northern Wisconsin

Background: Spotted fever rickettsiosis is caused by a group of closely related bacteria that includes Rickettsia rickettsii , the etiological agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Recently, Rickettsia montanensis has been reported to cause clinical and subclinical symptoms in both humans and animal models. Materials and Methods: In this study, we collected ticks in Ashland County, located in northern Wisconsin, and tested 16 ticks identified as Dermacentor variabilis for the presence of rickettsial bacteria using PCR techniques. Results: Four positive results identified using gel electrophoresis were then sequenced to determine the rickettsiae species. Of the samples sequenced, three matched for R. montanensis (∼19% of the 16 ticks tested). Conclusion: In this study, we report the presence and prevalence of R. montanensis in northern Wisconsin.