Progress in research of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and anaplasmosis in China

Anaplasmosis(HGA) caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic disease in China, which pose serious threat to the health of human and animals. An unusual nosocomial human to human transmission of anaplasmosis occurred in Anhui province in 2006. In order to control the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health of China issued Protocol of prevention and control of anaplasmosis in 2008 and Urgent notice about further prevention and control of anaplasmosis in 2009, respectively. This paper summarizes the progress in research, surveillance and prevention/treatment of anaplasmosis in China.