Investigating a newly identified bacterium found in ticks
Official title: The Ecology and Classification of Rickettsia Species Phylotype G022, an Uncharacterized Bacterium from Ixodes pacificus Ticks
Funded at Humboldt State University · NIH-10906841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into a newly found germ in ticks from Northern California to see how common it is and if it could make people or animals sick, which could help improve how we diagnose and treat tick-related illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Humboldt State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arcata, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $147,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16AI167834-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in or near areas where Ixodes pacificus ticks are prevalent, particularly those who may have been exposed to tick bites.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in tick-endemic areas or who have not had exposure to ticks may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding a newly discovered bacterium, Rickettsia species phylotype G022, found in Ixodes pacificus ticks, which are common in Northern California. The study aims to determine how prevalent this bacterium is in the tick population and to explore its potential pathogenicity, as many tick-borne diseases may be under-reported due to atypical symptoms. By collecting and analyzing tick samples, the researchers hope to shed light on the ecology and health implications of this bacterium for both humans and animals. This work is crucial for improving diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of tick-borne diseases, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While research on tick-borne diseases is ongoing, the specific investigation of Rickettsia species phylotype G022 is novel and has not been extensively studied before.
Where this research is happening
-
Humboldt State University
Arcata, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhong, Jianmin — Humboldt State University
- Study coordinator: Zhong, Jianmin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A field study will monitor rickettsia bacteria in small mammals and their ticks and fleas in Northwestern California to understand how these infections spread and affect people.
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Unidentified Rickettsia bacteria in western black-legged ticks
Researchers are looking into whether a newly found Rickettsia bacterium in Pacific Coast ticks might cause illness in people and animals.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.