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Published on: October 6, 2018
Study on tick-borne rickettsiae in eastern Poland. I. Prevalence in Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Amblyommidae)
Angelina Wójcik-Fatla1, Ewa Cisak, Violetta Zając
1Department of Zoonoses, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland. afatla@poczta.onet.pl
Abstract:
Rickettsia spp. transmitted by ticks are classified mostly in the Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae (SFGR). Numerous species of this group have been identified in Eurasia as emerging pathogens, but still little is known about their occurrence, effects on human health, and co-incidence with other tick-borne pathogens. The aim of the presented study was to determine the prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in adult Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Amblyommidae) ticks collected in Lublin province of eastern Poland using the PCR method. The infection rate of D. reticulatus with Rickettsia spp. was 53.0%. All except one rickettsial isolates showed 100% homology with Rickettsia raoultii. A high prevalence of R. raoultii in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks from eastern Poland suggests that the SFGR species should be considered as potential causative agents of tick-borne diseases in this area.
Insights
This study found Rickettsia raoultii in over half of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in eastern Poland. This highlights Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae as potential causes of tick-borne illness in the region.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Medical Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tick-borne Rickettsia species, primarily Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae (SFGR), are emerging pathogens in Eurasia.
- Limited data exists on their prevalence, health impacts, and coinfections with other tick-borne agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Rickettsia species in adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks from eastern Poland.
- To identify Rickettsia species using molecular methods.
Main Methods:
- Collection of adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks from Lublin province, eastern Poland.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Rickettsia spp. detection.
- Sequence homology analysis for species identification.
Main Results:
- A high infection rate of 53.0% for Rickettsia spp. was observed in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks.
- Rickettsia raoultii was identified in 99% of the rickettsial isolates, showing 100% homology.
- The study identified a significant presence of R. raoultii in the surveyed tick population.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of Rickettsia raoultii in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in eastern Poland indicates its significance as a potential pathogen.
- Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae should be considered in the diagnosis of tick-borne diseases in this region.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications and transmission dynamics of R. raoultii.
