Yale Bulletin and Calendar

October 18-25, 1999Volume 28, Number 9



BULLETIN HOME

VISITING ON CAMPUS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BULLETIN BOARD

CLASSIFIED ADS


SEARCH ARCHIVES

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

BULLETIN STAFF


PUBLIC AFFAIRS HOME

NEWS RELEASES

E-MAIL US


YALE HOME PAGE


Scientists' test screens for a newly
discovered tick-borne disease

Yale and state scientists have developed a new, simpler and more reliable blood test to detect a recently discovered disease called ehrlichiosis, which is carried by deer ticks.

The test will make it less cumbersome for patients with the tell-tale flu-like symptoms to be screened for the disease. It also will allow researchers to determine whether ehrlichiosis may be as widespread as Lyme disease in the Northeast.

The new ELISA test was developed by Dr. Jacob IJdo and Dr. Erol Fikrig, associate research scientist and associate professor, respectively, in the rheumatology section of the School of Medicine's department of internal medicine. They collaborated in the research with Dr. Louis Magnarelli at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Details of the test were published in the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.

The organism, Ehrlichia equi, is carried by the same tiny deer tick that carries the Lyme disease bacteria and, like Lyme disease, causes flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and muscle cramps. But unlike Lyme disease, Ehrlichia equi does not produce a bull's eye rash, which makes it more difficult to diagnose, says IJdo, an associate research scientist in the department.

Another problem hampering diagnosis is that testing for ehrlichiosis is time-consuming, costly and only performed in specialized research laboratories. "With the old test a person could test two dozen blood samples a day," IJdo explains. "With the new test it is easy to scale up the testing for large numbers of blood samples."

There are indications that ehrlichiosis infections could be more prevalent because the numbers of confirmed cases are increasing each year, IJdo says.

"The State of Connecticut started doing surveillance for ehrlichiosis in 1995, and each year the number of cases has doubled," he says. "Last year there were more than 200 cases in Connecticut."

Because the same tick is responsible for transmission of both organisms, ehrlichiosis can be expected in the same areas where there is Lyme disease, which are principally the Northeast and the upper Midwest.

The new ELISA test uses a recombinant protein that can be produced in large quantities. The test is better because it is standardized, automated and more sensitive, says IJdo.

"Now we can conduct better surveillance of the disease," he says. "It took several years to educate people about Lyme disease, and it may take some time to inform people about Ehrlichia equi. With the ELISA we are set up for next summer's tick season."

Testing for ehrlichiosis is conducted by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and Yale's department of epidemiology and public health with financial support by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. The test is free for any physician who suspects a patient of having ehrlichiosis. "This is to encourage physicians to submit blood samples so that we can get a better idea how prevalent the disease is," IJdo explains.

It is not yet known if ehrlichiosis can have the same serious long-term effects as Lyme disease if left untreated, IJdo says. Untreated Lyme disease, which is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, can result in chronic arthritis and nerve and heart dysfunction.

-- By Jacqueline Weaver


T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

University Library begins major expansion of its Orbis database

'Communications mogul John Malone offers advice to students: 'Be willing to take risks'

Nursing School venture will help elderly residents to stay healthy

Shalala stresses importance of keeping Medicare healthy

Pataki applauds virtues of 'compassionate conservatism'

Serving society must be a central goal for universities, says Rodin

Edelman recalls mentors at Yale and elsewhere in new book

Student seeks to raise awareness about scoliosis through book

City and Yale managers learn new leadership skills in joint program

'Mesmerizing' drama about marital infidelity opens at the Rep

Drama School stages German play that has been likened to 'Hamlet'

Scientists' test screens for a newly discovered tick-borne disease

The 'amazing' human eye is the focus of the 'VISION' exhibit

Yale center testing drug to prevent cancer-causing infection

New test offered at Yale identifies women at risk for cervical cancer

Enhancements to Orbis-on-the-Web make it faster, more detailed

Exhibit traces the history and evolution of Yale library catalogs

Health students will describe their research overseas

Divinity School fellowships honor individuals' work for social justice

Campaign aims to reduce bike thefts

Engineering program honors John Malone and Robert Grober

Meeting to focus on libraries' future renovations

Union meetings for United Way

. . . In the News . . .

Campus Notes


Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus| Calendar of Events|Bulletin Board

Classified Ads|Search Archives|Production Schedule|Bulletin Staff

Public Affairs Home|News Releases| E-Mail Us|Yale Home Page