Show-Me State Times

University of Missouri researcher Roman Ganta is leading efforts to address the threat posed by Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the bacterium responsible for human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME). As lone star ticks become more common in the Midwest during summer, concerns about this tick-borne disease are increasing.

Ganta, who serves as Curators’ Distinguished Professor and McKee endowed professor at Mizzou’s Bond Life Sciences Center, explained the current challenges in treating HME. “There’s only one antibiotic out there right now to fight this disease,” said Ganta. “If the bacterium — Ehrlichia chaffeensis — were to evolve and become resistant to the antibiotic, we need backup plans, and our latest discovery lays the groundwork for future treatments.”

His recent study compared Ehrlichia chaffeensis in its infectious and growth stages. The research revealed that during its rapid replication phase inside a host, the bacterium produces nearly as many proteins as when it is infecting. This finding suggests there may be additional opportunities to develop new treatments.

“Those extra proteins are how the bacterium survives and thrives,” Ganta said. “And now we know what they are. That knowledge gives us new ways to fight back — new drug targets that could stop this thing before it even gets started.”

The implications of this research extend beyond HME. Ganta’s findings contribute to understanding other tick-borne diseases such as bovine anaplasmosis in cattle and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, both of which present ongoing risks to public and animal health.

In Missouri, where lone star ticks are spreading, vulnerable populations—including children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems—face heightened risk due to limited treatment options.

Ganta emphasized collaboration at Mizzou in addressing these issues: “Mizzou is the ideal place to fight this battle,” he said. “We’ve got the facilities, the interdisciplinary teams and the support from administrators to do research that makes a difference throughout Missouri and the Midwest.”

The study was published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.