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Update on tick-borne rickettsioses in mainland Portugal: emerging threats and potential vectors

Leonardo Moerbeck1,2, Ricardo Parreira3,4,5, Gonçalo Seixas3,4

  • 1Global Health and Tropical Medicine- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal. moerbeck.leonardo@gmail.com.

Parasites & Vectors
|December 24, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Tick-borne rickettsioses (TBR) are a growing concern. This study found Rickettsia bacteria in 26.35% of ticks in Portugal, identifying several species and highlighting the need for surveillance and control.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Entomology
  • Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Tick-borne rickettsioses (TBR) are emerging zoonotic diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria, posing a significant public health threat.
  • Portugal faces a growing challenge from these neglected infections, necessitating detailed epidemiological investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence and diversity of rickettsial infections in questing ticks across four ecological zones in mainland Portugal.
  • To identify tick species harboring Rickettsia and characterize the detected Rickettsia species through phylogenetic analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and identification of 707 questing ticks over two years.
  • DNA extraction followed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) for Rickettsia spp. detection.
  • Conventional PCR and gene sequencing (gltA, ompA) for species identification and phylogenetic analysis.

Main Results:

  • Eight tick species were identified, with Rickettsia detected in seven.
  • Overall Rickettsia prevalence was 26.35%, with identified species including R. helvetica, R. massiliae, R. monacensis, Candidatus R. rioja, and R. slovaca.
  • Novel associations were found, including R. slovaca in Ixodes ricinus and Candidatus R. rioja in Dermacentor marginatus.

Conclusions:

  • Ongoing surveillance of ticks and their hosts is crucial for effective TBR management.
  • Control strategies are vital to mitigate the increasing risk of TBR.
  • This study provides key epidemiological data on TBR in Portugal, emphasizing proactive public health measures.
Keywords:
DEBONELMSF-like diseaseOne healthSENLATSurveillanceTIBOLATick-borne rickettsioses

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