Molecular evidence of Bartonella DNA in ixodid ticks in Czechia

We report the development of a novel method for detection of Bartonella DNA in ixodid ticks. The assay is based on a specific amplification of a part of 16S rRNA gene and 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region of Bartonella sp. by nested PCR and Southern blot hybridization with specific DNA probe; the method is highly sensitive and specific. The screening of 327 unfed ticks collected in different urban and suburban areas of Czechia in 2003-2005 revealed the presence of Bartonella DNA in four Ixodes ricinus individuals (1.2 %), two males, one female and one nymph.