ClinQuiz: Fast tick facts, answer 1C
1) C–Correct.
Hepatozoon americanum, the parasite seen in the figure, is known to be transmitted through ingestion of an infected tick rather than by the bite of an infected tick. 2 More recent research shows that dogs can also become infected if they ingest a prey species, such as a rodent or rabbit, that harbors tissue cysts of H. americanum in its muscles. 3 Both H. americanum and Hepatozoon canis have been reported in the United States. 4 Hepatozoon americanum usually causes more severe disease, as in the case described here, whereas H. canis is typically thought to be less pathogenic. 2