[Ixodes ricinus, transmitted diseases and reservoirs]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Zoonotic Disease Ecology
• Epidemiology

Context:

• Ixodes ricinus ticks are vectors for significant zoonotic pathogens across Europe.
• Lyme disease, Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE), and Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis are emerging threats.
• Understanding pathogen distribution and transmission dynamics is crucial for public health.

Purpose:

• To assess the spatial distribution and infection risk of key tick-borne pathogens in the Province of Trento.
• To evaluate the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., TBE virus, and Anaplasma phagocytophila in ticks and wildlife reservoirs.
• To model disease persistence under varying ecological conditions and host densities.

Summary:

• Eco-epidemiological surveys and GIS mapping identified high-risk areas for tick presence.
• Prevalence rates in Ixodes ricinus nymphs were 1.32% for B. burgdorferi s.l., 9.84% for A. phagocytophila, and 0.03% for TBE virus.
• Wildlife reservoirs, including Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus, showed varying infection rates, with roe deer acting as a significant reservoir for A. phagocytophila.

Impact:

• Identified specific areas with high infection risk for humans and animals.
• Provided data for targeted surveillance and control strategies against tick-borne diseases.
• Mathematical modeling elucidated factors influencing pathogen persistence, aiding in risk assessment and public health planning.