Tick transmission of bartonella species remains a complicated issue with many unanswered questions.
In general, most surveys of Bartonella in Ixodes scapularis ticks [deer ticks] have failed to amplify DNA of the genus.
The CDC publication used multiple gene targets and tested a large number of ticks.
In contrast, Volkhard Kempf and the Galaxy/North Carolina Breichtwert team confirmed:
*infection [was found] in Ixodes ricinus using different Bartonella gene targets and testing being done in two laboratories on two different continents.
*Bruno Chomel, a highly skilled and excellent microbiologist at UC Davis, found multiple Bartonella species in Ixodes pacificus.
*For at least three of the 23 human species, Bartonella henselae, clarridgeiae, and koehlerae, fleas are far more important vectors than ticks.
