New bacteria, new disease

Ticks can carry disease

Scientists are continuously discovering new species - we hear about it in the news all the time. And it isn't just the world's smallest snake or the oldest rain forest creature. Bacteria are also being discovered. One strain identified in Japan in 2004 is turning out to be one bad customer. It turns out that Neoehrlichia mikurensis can be carried by ticks and infect humans.

The University of Gothenburg confirmed a case and discovered that the bacteria causes a tick-borne illness that causes deep vein thrombosis and includes fever, diarrhea and loss of consciousness. It appears to affect immune-compromised individuals.

New bacteria, new diseases...

This is the first time the strain has been found in Sweden.