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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
07:21

Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing

Published on: August 25, 2018

[Tick-borne human pathogenic microorganisms found in Europe and those considered nonpathogenic. Part II: Bacteria,

J Süss1, V Fingerle, K-P Hunfeld

  • 1Bundesforschungsanstalt für Viruskrankheiten der Tiere, Standort, Jena. j.suess@jena.bfav.de

Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz
|June 19, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Tick-borne diseases caused by bacteria and parasites, including Lyme borreliosis, are a growing concern. Increased awareness of mixed infections necessitates updated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for tick-borne illnesses.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Entomology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) have seen a significant rise in incidence and recognition.
  • Part II of this review focuses on bacterial and parasitic TBDs, complementing Part I on viral TBDs.
  • Lyme borreliosis is a primary focus among bacterial TBDs affecting humans.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the significance, vectors, clinical aspects, diagnostics, prophylaxis, and therapy of tick-borne bacteria and parasites.
  • To provide practice-relevant advice on managing various TBDs.
  • To highlight the increasing frequency and importance of multiple and mixed tick-borne infections in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on tick-borne bacterial and parasitic diseases.
  • Synthesis of information on agents like Borrelia, Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Babesia, and others.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment protocols.

Main Results:

  • Tick-borne bacteria such as those causing Lyme borreliosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, rickettsiosis (including Q fever), and parasites like Babesia are significant public health threats.
  • Multiple and mixed infections from single tick bites are occurring more frequently than previously understood.
  • Unclear medical histories in patients may indicate complex tick-borne co-infections.

Conclusions:

  • Effective reduction of TBD incidence requires further scientific research and enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
  • Clinicians should consider the possibility of multiple tick-borne infections, especially in cases with ambiguous symptoms.
  • A comprehensive understanding of diverse tick-borne pathogens and their transmission is crucial for public health.

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