Search Results (43)

Samara Oblast is an ecological transition zone in Russia, yet its spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) diversity and prevalence in Dermacentor ticks remain unexplored. This study characterized SFGR species circulating in Dermacentor reticulatus and Dermacentor marginatus across 15 districts of Samara Oblast. We collected 681 adult Dermacentor ticks via vegetation flagging during 2023–2025. SFGR screening was performed via a commercial qPCR kit. Genospecies were identified via Sanger sequencing of the partial gltA gene and validated by means of ompB analysis, while tick species were confirmed using a cox1 gene fragment. The overall SFGR prevalence was 33.5% (228/681). Infection rates were significantly higher in D. marginatus (44.7%) than in D. reticulatus (27.5%). Rickettsia raoultii predominated (94.4%), while Rickettsia slovaca was relatively rare (4.6%) and significantly associated with D. marginatus. Notably, partial ompB sequencing revealed two distinct R. raoultii putative genotypes circulating in the region: one with a 9 bp deletion and one without. No coinfections were detected. Unexpectedly, a single D. reticulatus tick tested positive for Rickettsia felis, confirmed by means of gltA and ompB, marking the first molecular detection of R. felis in Russia and globally in this tick species. Samara Oblast represents a high-prevalence sympatric zone for Dermacentor-borne SFGR. The molecular detection of R. felis in D. reticulatus suggests a potential association that requires confirmation through further studies. Full article

This study examined the distribution and seasonal population dynamics of tick species infesting cattle, sheep, and goats in Ağrı Province, Türkiye. From January to December 2024, 913 hosts were examined, and 545 intact tick samples were collected from 386 infested animals and morphologically identified. The overall sex ratio was 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The identified species included Dermacentor niveus, D. marginatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. turanicus, R. bursa, Haemaphysalis punctata, Hae. sulcata, Hyalomma marginatum, H. anatolicum anatolicum, H. anatolicum excavatum, and H. detritum detritum. Seasonal tick activity peaked in summer (51.7%) and spring (42.9%), with a significant decline in autumn (χ² = 48.72, df = 3, p < 0.001). No active ticks were observed in winter due to the harsh continental climate. Adult Hyalomma ticks, which are known potential vectors of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), remained active except during winter. The high prevalence of these vector species suggests a need for further investigation into pathogen circulation in the region. This research provides a scientific foundation for integrated vector control and surveillance programs within the One Health framework. Full article

Among the 24 tick species documented in Slovakia, Ixodes ricinus is the most widespread and abundant. In some sites, 2–5 epidemiologically important tick species co-occur. Such sites represent hotspots for studying the co-circulation of tick-borne pathogens. Sympatric occurrence of five exophilic species (I. ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, D. marginatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and H. inermis) was confirmed in the environs of the Žemberovce village (Levice region, south-western Slovakia). Here, the seasonal activity and abundance of questing ticks and the tick infestation of game and sheep were investigated. Questing ticks, spleens of game, and ticks removed from game and sheep were examined for the presence of tick-borne pathogens (Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., and Borrelia miyamotoi) by molecular methods. Among the questing ticks, I. ricinus prevailed. Presence of Babesia crassa, B. microti, Rickettsia helvetica, R. raoultii, A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and B. miyamotoi was detected. Dermacentor marginatus, I. ricinus and H. concinna were collected from sheep. They were infected with A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis, R. slovaca, and R. raoultii. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in all examined red deer and roe deer and in 55.6% of wild boar. All cervids were positive for Theileria spp. Infestation of game with all five tick species, with a predominance of I. ricinus, was confirmed. In these ticks, A. phagocytophilum, R. helvetica, R. raoultii, Babesia sp. hc-hlj212, B. crassa, B. microti, Babesia spp. and B. miyamotoi were detected. This study confirmed the presence of B. crassa in Slovakia for the first time. The investigated area, with the co-occurrence of five exophilic tick species and a wide spectrum of tick-borne pathogens, represents an epidemiologically important hotspot with the risk of infections of humans and domestic animals. Full article

Ticks are one of the most important vectors of zoonotic pathogens in Europe, including Rickettsia spp. In Romania, several pathogenic species belonging to the Spotted Fever Group (SFG) transmitted primarily through tick bites have been identified. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Rickettsia spp. infection in ticks collected from public shelter dogs in Tulcea County, Romania, as an indicator of pathogen circulation within shelter environments and their potential epidemiological relevance. A total of 730 ticks collected between March 2023 and September 2024 from 216 public shelter dogs, belonging to four species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, and Dermacentor reticulatus), were morphologically identified and pooled by species, sex, and developmental stage resulting in 132 pools. DNA extracted from pools was tested by Real-Time PCR, targeting the gltA gene, specific for Rickettsia spp. Overall, 123/132 (93.2%) pools tested positive for Rickettsia spp. DNA, while the Minimum Infection Rate (MIR) at tick level was 16.8%. High pool positivity rates were consistently observed across all four species: 93.6% positive pools for Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (MIR 15%), 88.2% for Ixodes ricinus (MIR 20.5%), 87.5% for Dermacentor marginatus (MIR 58.3%), and 100% for Dermacentor reticulatus (MIR 21.7%). These findings demonstrate a substantial circulation of Rickettsia spp. in dog-shelter associated ticks, highlighting the role of dogs as sentinel hosts. Continuous molecular surveillance and identifying circulating species is needed for a better determination of the zoonotic risk. Full article

Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) is a novel flavi-like virus first identified in 2010 in Rhipicephalus microplus in the Jingmen region of Hubei Province, China and has been reported in different Asian countries, Central and South America, Africa, and Europe. Beyond ticks, JMTV has been detected in a range of other arthropods and in vertebrate hosts. In humans, JMTV has been found in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Kosovo and Turkey, and in febrile patients with a history of tick bites in China, suggesting it may be a novel human pathogen. To investigate the presence of JMTV in Italy, we developed a One-step real-time RT-PCR assay and applied it to individually screen 1150 ticks collected from northeastern, central, and southern Italy. JMTV RNA was detected in multiple tick species, including Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., Dermacentor marginatus, and Hyalomma marginatum with a prevalence ranging from 0.52% to 18.42% in questing ticks. The detection of JMTV in ticks from all surveyed areas, indicates that the virus is geographically widespread in Italy. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive surveillance strategies to identify new areas of active virus circulation and to investigate the potential impact of JMTV on public health. Full article

We investigated tick infestations in stray dogs from Chișinău, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, focusing on tick species distribution, and pathogen infection rates. Ticks were collected from 232 stray dogs across six major urban parks in 2021–2022. A total of 443 ticks were collected, belonging to five species: Ixodes ricinus (43.8%), Dermacentor reticulatus (35.2%), Dermacentor marginatus (20.5%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Haemaphysalis punctata with only 1 specimen. Notably, 92.5% of ticks were adults, while only 7% were nymphs and <1% were larvae. On average, 44.4% of stray dogs were infested with ticks, with an overall mean intensity of ~4.3 ticks per infested dog. Tick burden varied by location: dogs in large, less-maintained parks carried the most ticks. Tick pathogen screening revealed 24.4% of ticks (108/443) carried at least one pathogen. The most frequently detected were Babesia spp. in 12.2% of ticks, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in 7.4%, Rickettsia spp. in 3.4%, Anaplasma spp. in 2.5%, and Ehrlichia spp. in 0.5%; 4 ticks harbored co-infections. We discuss implications for public health and animal welfare and recommend control measures such as integrated stray-dog management and vegetation maintenance in urban parks. Full article

Due to the evident increase in tick-borne diseases worldwide, it is necessary to constantly update information on the distribution and zoonotic potential of hard ticks. We studied diversity, population structure, and seasonal dynamics of hard tick fauna, faunal similarity and the climate impact on tick occurrence in natural habitats (NHs) (forest communities) and anthropogenic habitats (AHs) (orchards, grasslands, degraded forests) in eastern and central parts of Continental Croatia. Host-seeking hard ticks were sampled by the flag-dragging method in lowland AHs (Bansko Hill (BH); 2023–2024 yr.) and in mountainous NHs (Medvednica Mountain (MM); 2019–2021, 2024 yr.). Overall, 2726 specimens belonging to eight hard tick species (Ixodes ricinus, I. frontalis, I. hexagonus, I. kaiseri, Haemaphysalis inermis, H. concinna, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus) were identified in AHs, while in NHs 1543 hard ticks, belonging to three species (I. ricinus, I. frontalis, D. reticulatus), were collected. The most abundant species in both habitat types (47.83% in AHs, 99.80% in NHs) was I. ricinus, showing unimodal seasonal activity within studied NHs and bimodal activity at AHs. Comparison of hard tick fauna in different habitats using the Sørenson index on BH and MM showed a high percentage of similarity (50.0–88.8). At AHs, a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation was determined between the abundance (N) and the mean monthly air temperatures (°C) for H. inermis (r = −0.5931; p = 0.0421) and D. reticulatus (r = −0.6289; p = 0.0285), while their numbers positively correlated (r = 0.5551; p = −0.2667; r = 0.4430; p = 0.1492) with air humidity (%). In contrast, the number of sampled host-seeking I. ricinus ticks at natural forest habitats on MM was positively associated with air temperature and negatively with air humidity at elevations from 200 to 1000 m a.s.l. (r = −0.7684; p = 0.0259; at 200 m a.s.l.). Collected specimens of I. frontalis mark the first record for Osijek–Baranja County, while the sampled D. reticulatus on MM represents the first catch at 1000 m a.s.l. in Croatia. This new data on the distribution and seasonality of medically important hard tick species in Continental Croatia contributes to identifying tick-risk foci and high-risk periods. Full article

Nanoparticles have emerged as innovative tools for combating bacterial infections, offering a potential solution to antibiotic resistance and the limitations of conventional antimicrobials. Nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial activity through multiple mechanisms, including oxidative stress induction, metal ion release, direct membrane damage, disruption of DNA and proteins, and indirect immune system enhancement. Rickettsia helvetica, R. monacensis, R. slovaca, and R. conorii subsp. raoultii are tick-borne pathogens transmitted by Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, and D. marginatus ticks across Europe causing spotted fever rickettsiosis. While rickettsioses are successfully treated with antibiotics, resistance of rickettsiae to antimicrobial therapy has been reported. Here, we evaluated the anti-rickettsial activity of silver (AgNPs), selenium (SeNPs), and chitosan (CSNPs) nanoparticles against R. conorii subsp. caspia, a tick-borne bacterial pathogen, in African green monkey kidney cell line (Vero). At their highest non-cytotoxic concentrations, CSNPs exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect (87%). SeNPs also significantly reduced bacterial load (76%), although their efficacy was constrained by cytotoxicity at higher doses. In contrast, AgNPs did not show significant activity under the tested conditions. The differences observed among nanoparticles reflect both the antimicrobial properties and host cell tolerance limits. These findings highlight CSNPs and SeNPs as promising candidates for further development of nanoparticle-based strategies to combat intracellular, tick-borne pathogens. Full article

Bartonella spp. is a Gram-negative bacterium transmitted by arthropod vectors, implicated in a range of zoonotic infections affecting both humans and animals. Among zoonotic species, B. henselae is primarily associated with domestic cats and B. vinsonii with dogs. In Italy, Bartonella infections have been reported in both southern and northern regions. This study investigates the presence of Bartonella spp. in fleas and ticks collected from companion animals in Piedmont region, northwestern Italy. A total of 176 flea and 85 tick specimens were obtained from 92 animals (dogs and cats) between May 2018 and February 2020. Arthropods were morphologically identified using identification keys, and screened for Bartonella DNA by PCR targeting the 16s rRNA gene. Positive samples were further analyzed by amplifying the rpoB gene. Selected 16s-positive and all rpoB-positive samples were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Fleas were mostly identified as Ctenocephalides felis, recovered from 44 cats and 12 dogs; a single C. canis specimen was found in one cat. Ticks were Ixodes ricinus (from 14 cats and 10 dogs), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (3 cats, 7 dogs), and Dermacentor marginatus (one dog). Bartonella prevalence was 38.4%, with 34.2% positivity in fleas and 45.6% in ticks. All sequences corresponded to B. henselae. These findings confirm the active circulation of B. henselae in ectoparasites of pets and raise questions about the potential role of ticks in its transmission. Full article

Hard ticks are vectors of a wide range of pathogens, with tick-borne bacteria being among the most frequently detected. This study presents a first approach to the identification of human-biting ticks in the Basque Country (northern Iberian Peninsula), where previous research has mainly focused on ticks from vegetation and domestic and wild animals. The aim of this study was (i) to identify tick species collected in hospitals and health centres and (ii) to determine the presence and identify of pathogenic bacteria that they may carry using PCR, RLB and sequencing methods. A total of 181 ticks were collected and grouped in pools of one, two or three specimens, resulting in 157 samples. Morphological and molecular identification of collected ticks revealed that most specimens belonged to Ixodes ricinus (88.5%). Additionally, Rhipicephalus bursa, Haemaphysalis punctata, Dermacentor reticulatus and Dermacentor marginatus were also identified. A total of 25 samples (15.9%) tested positive for DNA from the targeted pathogens. The most prevalent vector-borne bacteria were Borrelia spp. (6.4%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (5.1%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (2.5%) and Coxiella spp. (1.9%). Species identified included B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. miyamotoi, B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi s. s., R. monacensis, “Candidatus R. rioja”, R. helvetica and R. massiliae. This study highlights the usefulness of combining molecular diagnostics with passive surveillance of human-attached ticks as an effective tool for regional monitoring of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Full article

Babesia odocoilei is an emerging zoonotic protozoan parasite primarily associated with cervids, with growing recognition among non-cervid hosts and in terms of potential public health implications. While this species has been documented in North America and parts of Europe, data on its presence in Romania remain scarce. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Babesia spp. in ticks collected from Romania, providing new information on the existing species and their distribution, as well as their potential epidemiologic significance. A total of 41 Ixodidae ticks were collected from 184 wild boars across six counties from Western and Central Romania. Ticks were identified using morphological assessments, and DNA was extracted from the samples using a standardized protocol. The presence of Babesia spp. was assessed using real-time PCR with primers and a Taq Man probe targeting 116 bp fragments of 18S rRNA genes. Molecular analysis was used to detect Babesia spp. DNA from a single tick sample (1/41, 2.43%), identified as Dermacentor marginatus, from Timiș County. The resulting amplicons were sequenced and compared with reference sequences in GenBank for species confirmation. This finding represents the first molecular identification of B. odocoilei in questing ticks from Romania. The expanding host range and geographic distribution of B. odocoilei raise concerns regarding its zoonotic potential. The presence of this pathogen in Dermacentor marginatus ticks suggests a broader vector competence than previously recognized, and future research should focus on host reservoirs, vector competence, and potential zoonotic transmission, with an emphasis on public health implications, including potential implications for veterinary diagnostics, vector control policies, and public health awareness regarding emerging tick-borne pathogens. Full article

Ticks are key vectors of zoonotic pathogens, and their expanding distribution in Europe heightens public health concerns. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, while tick distribution is well documented, molecular data on tick-borne pathogens remain limited. This study aimed to illustrate the presence and diversity of these pathogens, focusing on areas with high human activity. Ticks (n = 556) were collected in April 2022 from eight diverse locations, including urban parks, private properties, and rural sites. PCR-based screening was employed to detect Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia, Francisella, Piroplasmida, Rickettsia, and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), with subsequent sequencing to confirm results. Further characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was achieved via reverse line blotting (RLB) hybridization and sequencing. Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent species, followed by Dermacentor marginatus and D. reticulatus. Our analysis revealed an overall infection rate of 22.1% in questing ticks, with Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. predominating. Notably, seven Borrelia species were identified in I. ricinus, alongside Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia helvetica, and R. monacensis, with co-infections mainly observed in peri-urban areas. This study provides the first molecular evidence of multiple tick-borne pathogens in the region, underscoring the need for further surveillance and risk assessment of tick-borne diseases in the region. Full article

Globally, due to climate change, urbanization, and the intensification of interactions between humans and animals, tick populations have increased, and areas where these arthropod vectors can develop and transmit diseases have expanded. Ixodidae ticks infect a wide variety of species and serve as major vectors for zoonotic pathogens of veterinary importance. This study aimed to identify and map ticks collected from boar tails in six Romanian counties. A total of 141 ticks were identified and differentiated on the basis of their morphological characteristics via stereomicroscopy and electron microscopy. Among the 141 ticks examined, five species, Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis concinna, Haemaphysalis erinacei, Dermacentor reticulatus, and Dermacentor marginatus, were identified. The identification and mapping of ticks present on wild boars is beneficial for both veterinary and human medicine due to the pathogens they can transmit. The results of our study indicate that parasitism with different tick species in wildlife—in this case, wild boar—is present in the Romanian counties under study. This is one of the most recent tick identification and mapping studies. Tick parasitism represents a threat to the health of wild/domestic animals, and frequent monitoring is necessary. Full article

The spectrum of ixodid ticks that bite humans in Western Siberia has significantly changed over the past two decades. In this study, we determined tick species attacking people in the vicinity of Novosibirsk and the range of bacterial agents they were infected with. This study included 301 ticks taken from people and 46% were Ixodes pavlovskyi, followed by Ixodes persulcatus (19.6%), I. persulcatus/I. pavlovskyi interspecies hybrids (19.6%), Dermacentor reticulatus (12.8%), and single Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor nuttalli/Dermacentor silvarum. Human DNA was determined in ticks, first demonstrating that all Ixodes spp., including hybrids, can effectively feed on humans. The DNA of Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasmataceae bacteria was detected in different tick species. Borrelia garinii prevailed in Ixodes species, being found in 8.8% of ticks, whereas B. afzelii and B. bavariensis were found in single ticks. Borrelia miyamotoi was revealed in 3.7% of ticks. “Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae” and R. raoultii were identified mainly in I. persulcatus and D. reticulatus (44.8% and 26.3%, respectively), while Rickettsia helvetica was found only in 2.2% I. pavlovskyi. The prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia muris, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis did not exceed 2%. The obtained results indicate a high risk for humans to be infected with agents of Lyme borreliosis, primarily B. garinii. Full article

Ticks are important vectors of pathogens, producing diseases in animals and humans. The planning of information campaigns or prevention programs is heavily based on the knowledge of highly detailed data on tick distribution. This study reports unpublished data on the distribution of more than 30,000 tick specimens, collected by active surveys in the years 1985–2024 in Spain, from 2285 surveys in 1636 unique sites, providing coordinates with variable accuracy. The report covers new records of Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus hibericus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (either s.s. or s.l.). Other species were sporadically collected. Many specimens have been re-examined for accurate identification according to current taxonomic views, mainly in the genus Rhipicephalus. We summarized this newly available information using the Köppen–Geiger climate classification. This compilation of unpublished tick records pinpoints the importance of the systematic monitoring of ticks. It is intended as the baseline over which the ongoing national tick collection program is built in order to track the long-term changes of tick distribution in Spain, because of the land use changes, the spread of invasive vertebrates, or the climate trends. Full article