Search Results (34)

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

Ticks are a major concern for both animal and human health, as they are primary vectors of infectious pathogens. This study focused on ticks found in a nature reserve in southern Italy, highly frequented for recreational activities and inhabited by wild boars. Using molecular techniques, 214 ticks, including questing ticks and those removed from wild boars, were examined for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), with a focus on zoonotic pathogens. Six tick species were identified: Hyalomma lusitanicum, Rhipicephalus pusillus, Rh. sanguineus s.l., Rh. bursa, Rh. turanicus, and Dermacentor marginatus, several of which are known vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Overall, 14% of ticks were positive for TBPs, mainly bacteria of Rickettsia genus. Molecular analyses detected Rickettsia slovaca, R. massiliae, Candidatus R. shennongii, R. conorii, R. felis, and R. barbariae. Additionally, single detections of Coxiella burnetii and Theileria annulata were recorded. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted on Rickettsia sequences. The range of ticks and TBPs present in this area highlights potential public health concerns. New associations between tick species and TBPs were documented, though vector roles need further investigation. The study highlights the importance of monitoring tick populations in both rural and urban environments to protect public health and prevent tick-borne disease spreading. Full article

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a considerable public health problem worldwide. The occurrence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) was investigated via PCR and sequencing in 683 ticks collected from 105 roe deer, 61 wild boars, 49 fallow deer, and 2 chamois, in the Liguria region, northwest Italy, between 2019 and 2022. The ticks were morphologically identified. Four different tick species were found: Ixodes ricinus (66.8% of the collected ticks), Dermacentor marginatus (15.8%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. (15.7%), and Haemaphysalis punctata (0.9%). Six ticks (0.9%) were only identified as Rhipicephalus spp. Of the 222 pools analyzed, 27.9% were positive. Most pools (n = 58, 26.1% of pools analyzed) were positive for Rickettsia spp., and several species were found: Rickettsia slovaca was the dominant species (15.3%), followed by R. monacensis (8.1%), while R. helvetica (1.8%), R. massiliae (0.5%), and R. raoultii (0.5%) were found only sporadically. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was identified in three pools and B. burgdorferi s.l. in one pool. All samples were negative for C. burnetii and TBEv. Significant associations were found between I. ricinus and roe deer, D. marginatus and wild boar, and between R. monacensis and I. ricinus. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. differed significantly between tick and host species. This updated picture of tick species and TBPs in wild ungulates in Liguria, where the population of these animals is increasing, shows a widespread presence of potentially zoonotic Rickettsia spp. Continuous monitoring and public information on preventive measures are needed. Full article

In the Maritime Alps (northwestern Italy), we collected ticks from vegetation and Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). Ixodes ricinus was the most abundant species in the study area, questing up to 1824 m a.s.l. and infesting 28 out of 72 ibexes. Haemaphysalis punctata, H. sulcata and Dermacentor marginatus were also collected. The abundance of questing ticks significantly decreased with altitude, with beechwoods being the preferred habitat. By PCR, we identified Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in questing I. ricinus (28.3%; 95%CI: 19.4–38.6) but not in specimens collected from animals. Rickettsia spp. infected both questing (20.6%; 95%CI: 12.9–30.3) and on-host (30.2%; 95%CI: 21.2–40.4) I. ricinus. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 4.3% (95%CI: 1.2–10.8) of questing I. ricinus and in 45.3% (95%CI: 34.6–56.4) of I. ricinus collected from ibex. Female I. ricinus collected on animals were significantly more infected with A. phagocytophilum than females collected from vegetation (OR = 11.7; 95%CI: 3.8–48.1). By amplifying and sequencing a fragment of the groEL gene, we identified 13 groEL haplotypes, clustering with ecotypes I and II; ecotype I, prevalent in our sample, is considered zoonotic. Our study demonstrates the presence of different tick-borne zoonotic agents in the study area, encompassing a wide altitudinal range, as confirmed by the ticks found on ibex, a typical mountain-dwelling mammal. The results also confirm the altitudinal range expansion of ticks and associated pathogens in the Alps and suggest that Alpine ibex may act as a reservoir for A. phagocytophilum, as do other wild ungulate species. Full article

Karachay-Cherkessia is the region in the Russian Federation that has been overlooked in terms of research on the human bacterial pathogens transmitted by ticks. In this study, we investigated the infection status of ticks with Rickettsia, Borrelia, Coxiella burmetii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis/Ehrlichia muris associated with natural focal infections in Karachay-Cherkessia. A total amount of 159 ticks from three species across three genera (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma scupense) removed from humans were collected for analysis. Additionally, we used 53 individual ticks and 40 tick pools from the vegetation of three species (I. ricinus, D. marginatus, and Rhipicephalus bursa). Screening of the studied pathogens was performed by using commercial qPCR kits. Sanger sequencing utilizing partial sequences of gltA and ompA genes was employed to identify the Rickettsia species. Our findings revealed the presence of DNA from five species within the spotted fever group Rickettsia, namely Rickettsia raoultii, R. slovaca, R. helvetica, R. monacensis, and R. aeschlimannii. Moreover, two distinct genotypes were identified within R. aeschlimannii, R. helvetica, and R. monacensis. Additionally, DNA from Borrelia burgdoferi s.l., B. miyamotoi, and A. phagocytophilum was detected in the tested ticks. This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and the diversity of bacterial pathogens transmitted by ticks in the Karachay-Cherkessia region. Full article

This study investigated the prevalence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in 494 engorged ticks collected from various animal hosts, including cattle, horses, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats, in six regions of northern Kyrgyzstan. Ten tick species, belonging to two families and six genera, were identified based on CO1, 16S rRNA, and ITS2 genes: Argas persicus (26.5%), Haemaphysalis punctata (18.0%), Dermacentor spp. (16.0%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (11.8%), R. turanicus (10.9%), D. marginatus (7.7%), Hyalomma scupense (4.5%), Hy. marginatum (3.8%), R. sangineus complex (0.6%), and Ornithodoros lahorensis (0.2%). PCR analysis revealed a 15.0% (74/494) overall infection rate of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. Anaplasma species were found in six tick species and were identified as A. bovis (n = 44), Anaplasma spp. (n = 20), A. ovis (n = 5), and A. capra (n = 2). Ehrlichia species were found only in H. punctata (n = 5) and identified as E. chaffeensis (n = 1) and Ehrlichia spp. (n = 4). Additionally, two H. punctata were co-infected with Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. This is the first study to investigate tick-borne bacterial pathogens in ticks collected from animal hosts in Kyrgyzstan. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology and emergence of tick-borne infections in Kyrgyzstan. Full article

Ticks of the genus Dermacentor Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) are poorly known systematically due to their habitation in harsh topographic environments and high mountains. Dermacentor ticks are diversely distributed in the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions. There is no available information on the occurrence of Dermacentor marginatus in Pakistan; thus, the current investigation aimed the first morphological and molecular confirmation of this species and associated Anaplasma marginale and Rickettsia raoultii. Ticks were collected from goats (Capra hircus) and morphologically identified. Genomic DNA was extracted from 18/26 (69.23%) tick specimens, including 11 males and 7 females (1 unfed and 6 fed females). Extracted DNA was subjected to PCR for the amplification of genetic markers like 16S rDNA and cox1 for ticks, 16S rDNA for Anaplasma spp., and gltA and ompB for Rickettsia spp. A total of 26 D. marginatus ticks composed of 19 males (73.07%) and 7 females (26.9%) [1 (3.84%) unfed and 6 (23.07%) fed females] were collected from goats. According to amplicons via BLAST analysis, the 16S rDNA sequence showed 97.28–98.85% identity and the cox1 sequence showed 95.82–98.03% identity with D. marginatus. Additionally, the 16S rDNA sequence for Anaplasma sp. was detected in D. marginatus that showed 100% identity with Anaplasma marginale. Rickettsial gltA and ompB sequences for Rickettsia sp. showed 100% identity with Rickettsia raoultii. In phylogenetic analysis, ticks’ 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences clustered with the same species. In phylogenetic analysis, A. marginale based on 16 rDNA clustered with A. marginale, while gltA and ompB sequences clustered with R. raoultii. This is the first study on the genetic characterization of D. marginatus and associated A. marginale and R. raoultii in Pakistan. The northern areas of Pakistan, which need to be explored in terms of ticks and associated pathogens due to their zoonotic threats, have been neglected due to the inaccessible climatic conditions. Full article

In order to reproduce and complete life cycles, ticks have to feed on different hosts, thus participating as vectors and reservoirs in the maintenance and circulation of different pathogens. Since dogs can serve as suitable hosts for numerous tick species, the aims of this study were to determine tick species and their seasonal occurrence on pet dogs and to compare the accuracy of three indices frequently used to calculate engorged female physiological age. Ticks were collected from dogs brought to veterinary clinics. Three indices were analyzed: scutal index, alloscutal/scutal index ratio, and physiological age index. Four tick species were identified: Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus group, and the last was the most abundant. The highest number of collected ticks was in April, but two species were continuously active throughout the year. The statistical analyses distinguished the physiological age index as more precise because of lower variability. Dog owners usually ignore regular dog anti-tick treatments throughout the year, as they are not aware that ticks could be active during the winter months. Tick surveillance is unquestionably important in order to monitor and prevent the distribution of these vectors and also the diseases they transmit. Full article

Based on a literature review, as well as on our own data, 14 ixodid tick species belonging to 5 genera were registered for the lizard hosts of the genus Lacerta (L. agilis, L. media, and L. strigata) in the Caucasus and the adjacent territories: Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haem. punctata, Haem. parva, Haem. caucasica, Haem. concinna, Haem. inermis, Ixodes ricinus, I. redikorzevi, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, Hyalomma marginatum, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rh. rossicum, and Rh. turanicum. Tick species Haem. caucasica were recorded from Armenia for the first time. Our findings of Haem. punctata represent the first record of this species for Chechnya, Ingushetia (Russia), Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Most of the parasite species are associated with L. agilis (13) and L. strigata (12); L. media is a host of 6 tick species. Data on the infestation of Lacerta spp. by four tick species from our material (I. ricinus, Haem. punctata, Haem. caucasica, and Hyal. marginatum) are presented in the article. In addition, our article contains information on the range of infections associated with the above tick species. Castor bean tick I. ricinus (236 specimens), the most represented species in our collection, parasitizes all available terrestrial vertebrates including humans and can be vector of many various pathogens, so our study provides significant epidemiological information. Full article

The recently discovered Jingmenvirus group includes viruses with a segmented genome, RNA of a positive polarity, and several proteins with distant homology to the proteins of the members of the genus Orthoflavivirus. Some Jingmenvirus group members, namely the Alongshan virus (ALSV) and Jingmen tick virus, are reported to be tick-borne human pathogens that can cause a wide variety of symptoms. The ALSV is widely distributed in Eurasia, yet no reliable assay that can detect it exists. We describe a qPCR system for ALSV detection. Our data showed that this system can detect as little as 10⁴ copies of the ALSV in a sample. The system showed no amplification of the common tick-borne viruses circulating in Eurasia, i.e., the Yanggou tick virus—which is another Jingmenvirus group member—or some known members of the genus Orthoflavivirus. The qPCR system was tested and had no nonspecific signal for the Ixodes ricinus, I. persulcatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, D. marginatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and H. japonica ticks. The qPCR system had no nonspecific signal for human and sheep serum as well. Overall, the qPCR system described here can be used for reliable and quantitative ALSV detection. Full article