Neglected tick-borne pathogens in the Czech Republic, 2011-2014

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Public Health Microbiology

Background:

• Ixodes ricinus ticks are vectors for numerous pathogens affecting animal and human health.
• Emerging tick-borne diseases pose a growing concern in various ecosystems.
• Limited data exists on the co-occurrence and prevalence of multiple tick-borne pathogens in different environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Rickettsia spp., "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis", Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia spp. in Ixodes ricinus ticks.
• To investigate the distribution of these pathogens across distinct ecosystems: natural woodland, urban park, and pastureland.
• To assess pathogen prevalence in both questing and engorged ticks, including those from sheep.

Main Methods:

• Molecular screening of 2473 questing and 199 engorged Ixodes ricinus ticks collected between 2011 and 2014.
• Analysis of ticks from three distinct ecological settings: woodland, urban park, and pastureland.
• Quantitative assessment of pathogen presence using molecular techniques.

Main Results:

• All tested pathogens (Rickettsia spp., "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis", A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp.) were detected in ticks from all three study sites.
• Prevalence rates in questing ticks ranged from 0% to 12.1% for individual pathogens.
• Engorged ticks from sheep showed higher prevalence for "Candidatus N. mikurensis" (up to 38.5%) and A. phagocytophilum (up to 18.5%).

Conclusions:

• Ixodes ricinus ticks harbor a diverse range of significant pathogens across various ecosystems.
• The presence of these pathogens, particularly in pastureland environments, underscores potential risks to livestock and humans.
• Continuous epidemiological surveillance for neglected tick-borne pathogens is crucial for effective prevention and control of human infections.