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County-level surveillance for the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and Rickettsia species in Kentucky

Callista W Vandegriff1, Jun Seok Ryoo1, Maria C Carrasquilla1

  • 1Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, S-225 Ag Science Center N, Lexington, KY, 40546-0091, USA.

Scientific Reports
|February 5, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Spotted fever group rickettsiosis bacteria were found in 1% of Dermacentor variabilis ticks in Kentucky. Continued surveillance is vital for public health to monitor and prevent these tick-borne diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Entomology
  • Bacteriology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiosis encompasses diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria.
  • Rickettsia rickettsii causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), but other SFG Rickettsia species also infect ticks and can cause human illness.
  • Understanding the prevalence of SFG Rickettsia in tick populations is crucial for assessing public health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distribution and diversity of SFG Rickettsia in Dermacentor variabilis ticks in Kentucky.
  • To characterize the prevalence of different Rickettsia species within this tick population.

Main Methods:

  • County-level surveillance of Dermacentor variabilis ticks was performed in Kentucky from 2019 to 2024.
  • Ticks were collected using environmental dragging and a public tick submission program.
  • Rickettsia DNA was detected using molecular methods.

Main Results:

  • A total of 2,023 Dermacentor variabilis ticks were collected from 114 counties.
  • Rickettsia species were detected in 1% of the ticks.
  • Identified Rickettsia species included R. montanensis (0.47%), R. amblyommatis (0.13%), and R. parkeri (0.13%).

Conclusions:

  • SFG Rickettsia are present at low frequencies in Dermacentor variabilis ticks in Kentucky.
  • Ongoing surveillance in areas with reported SFG rickettsiosis is essential.
  • This data supports improved clinical recognition and public health strategies for SFG rickettsiosis prevention.
Keywords:
Dermacentor variabilisRickettsiaSpotted fever groupTick surveillance

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