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Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected deer ticks and blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus). Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a “bulls eye” skin rash called erythema migraines. 

For further information we refer you to:

 CDC's Lyme Disease web pages

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Anaplasmosis is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and is transmitted to humans by tick bites primarily from the black-legged (deer) tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus). It was previously known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) or human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA).  Typical symptoms include: fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches.  Usually, these symptoms occur within 1-2 weeks of a tick bite. 

For further information we refer you to:

 CDC's Anaplasmosis web pages

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Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. Babesia microti is spread by blacklegged ticks or deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis). It mainly occurs in parts of the Northeast and upper Midwest and it usually peaks during the warm months. Babesia infection can range in severity from asymptomatic to life-threatening. The infection is both treatable and preventable. 


Life cycle of the Parasite Babesia, (B.microti or B.divergens) including the infection to humans.

This work has been released into the public domain by its author, LadyofHats 

For further information we refer you to:

 CDC's Babesiosis web pages

Babesiosis on Wikipedia

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Bartonella are bacteria that live inside cells; they can infect humans and other mammals. It is mainly carried by cats and causes cat-scratch disease, endocarditis, and several other serious diseases in humans. Bartonella bacteria are known to be carried by fleas, body lice and ticks. Scientists suspect that ticks are a source of infection in some human cases of bartonellosis. People with tick bites and no known exposure to cats have acquired the disease. 


For further information we refer you to:

Bartonella web pages at lymedisease.org

Columbia University's Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center

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(Southern Tick Associate Rash Illness)

STARI is found in the southeastern and eastern U.S and is transmitted by the lone star tick (Ambylomma americanum). A rash similar to the rash of Lyme disease has been described in humans following bites of the lone star tick. The rash may be accompanied by fatigue, fever, headache, muscle and joint pains. This condition has been named southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI).


For further information we refer you to:

CDC's web pages on STARI

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Tularemia occurs throughout the U.S. and is transmitted to humans by the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and, in the western U.S., by deer flies. Humans can also contract the disease through skin contact with infected animals, ingestion of contaminated water and inhalation of contaminated dusts.
 


For further information we refer you to:

CDC's web pages on Tularemia

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HME occurs across the south-central, southeastern, and mid-Atlantic states. In 2001-2002, the incidence was highest in Missouri, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. The primary vector is the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). HME has been found in California in Pacific blacklegged ticks (Ixodes pacificus) and American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis).


For further information we refer you to:

CDC's web pages on Ehrlichiosis

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Ehrlichia canis is the cause of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs. It transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).


For further information we refer you to:

MicrobeWiki - the student edited microbiology resource

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Note: if you have already sent IdentifyUS a tick for identification we will forward your specimen to one of our lab testing partners using the information supplied on this form. 

If you have already received your tick identification results from us online in electronic form or via email, and you are choosing to have your tick tested for one or more disease pathogens, but have not yet sent us the physical specimen, please contact us for the correct lab address to send your tick sample to. We will instruct you how to package and send your tick directly to the lab for testing to insure the quickest turnaround time possible.