Question - What human medical conditions have been associated with the bite of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)?
Answer - The cited article reports “……lone star ticks have now been associated with several human diseases and medical conditions, including tularemia (Francisella tularensis), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and Panola Mountain Ehrlichia), Heartland virus disease (Heartland virus), southern tick–associated rash illness, or STARI (pathogen unknown), and red meat allergy (alpha-gal syndrome) and are probably also associated with Bourbon virus disease (Bourbon virus). Lone star ticks have also been commonly found to be infected with Rickettsia amblyommatis; however, serologic evidence suggests that humans develop a robust immune response to this bacterium, though it may cause symptoms in some people. (Molaei G et al. Bracing for the worst- Range expansion of the lone star tick in the northeastern United States. 2019 NEJM 381:2189-2192)