Journal
PATHOGENS
Volume 10, Issue 6, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060732
Keywords
tick-borne diseases; Neoehrlichia mikurensis; Ehrlichia-like; Schotti variant; Babesia venatorum; EU1; Babesia capreoli; Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.; tick bite; Northern Italy
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Funding
- University of Milan through the APC initiative
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Ticks play a crucial role in the transmission of various pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. This study conducted PCR screening on Ixodes ricinus ticks in a peri-urban recreational park in Ticino Valley, Italy, confirming the presence of endemic tick-borne pathogens and discovering emerging pathogens in the area. Such findings highlight the importance of monitoring these pathogens, especially in vulnerable populations, in order to prevent and manage tick-borne diseases effectively.
Ticks are important vectors of a great range of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Lately, the spread of known tick-borne pathogens has been expanding, and novel ones have been identified as (re)emerging health threats. Updating the current knowledge on tick-borne pathogens in areas where humans and animals can be easily exposed to ticks represents a starting point for epidemiological studies and public awareness. A PCR screening for tick-borne pathogens was carried out in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in a peri-urban recreational park in Ticino Valley, Italy. The presence of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi senso latu complex, Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. was evaluated in a total of 415 I. ricinus specimens. Rickettsia spp. (R monacensis and R. helvetica) were detected in 22.96% of the samples, while B. burgdorferi s.l. complex (B. afzelii and B. lusitaniae) were present in 10.94%. Neoehrlichia mikurensis (1.99%) and Babesia venatorum (0.73%) were reported in the area of study for the first time. This study confirmed the presence of endemic tick-borne pathogens and highlighted the presence of emerging pathogens that should be monitored especially in relation to fragile patients, the difficult diagnosis of tick-borne associated diseases and possible interactions with other tick-borne pathogens.
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