Distribution of tick-borne microorganisms in human-biting ticks in France collected through a Citizen-science program

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Public Health Microbiology
• Citizen Science

Background:

• Ticks pose significant public health risks due to their diverse habitats and potential to transmit pathogens.
• Effective surveillance of tick distribution and tick-borne pathogen prevalence is crucial for assessing these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne microorganisms, including pathogens, across France.
• To assess the utility of the CiTIQUE citizen science program for nationwide tick-borne pathogen surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 2009 ticks submitted via the CiTIQUE citizen science program.
• Tick identification and screening for microorganisms using real-time microfluidic PCR.
• Spatial analysis of pathogen distribution across different French regions.

Main Results:

• Twenty-six microorganisms detected, with 18 potentially pathogenic to humans, widely distributed nationwide.
• Borrelia spp. were the most common pathogens, showing regional variation. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Neoehrlichia mikurensis also showed regional differences.
• Rickettsia species diversity was highest in the southeast. Co-infections with multiple pathogens were found in 5% of ticks; no region was pathogen-free.

Conclusions:

• Citizen science, exemplified by the CiTIQUE program, is a powerful tool for large-scale, nationwide surveillance of tick-borne pathogens.
• The study provides a comprehensive overview of tick-borne pathogen diversity and distribution in France, underscoring the ubiquitous risk.
• Findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring and public awareness of tick-borne diseases across all regions of France.