Molecular Detection of <i>Rickettsia</i> spp. and Other Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks from a Nature Reserve: Implications for Zoonotic Transmission

Ticks are a major concern for both animal and human health, as they are primary vectors of infectious pathogens. This study focused on ticks found in a nature reserve in southern Italy, highly frequented for recreational activities and inhabited by wild boars. Using molecular techniques, 214 ticks,...

詳細記述

書誌詳細
出版年:Animals
主要な著者: Santina Di Bella, Valeria Blanda, Silvia Scibetta, Ilenia Giacchino, Antonino Gentile, Giuseppina Chiarenza, Vincenza Cannella, Giovanni Provinzano, Francesca Grippi, Annalisa Guercio
フォーマット: 論文
言語:英語
出版事項: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
主題:
オンライン・アクセス:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/1/72
その他の書誌記述
要約:Ticks are a major concern for both animal and human health, as they are primary vectors of infectious pathogens. This study focused on ticks found in a nature reserve in southern Italy, highly frequented for recreational activities and inhabited by wild boars. Using molecular techniques, 214 ticks, including questing ticks and those removed from wild boars, were examined for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), with a focus on zoonotic pathogens. Six tick species were identified: <i>Hyalomma lusitanicum</i>, <i>Rhipicephalus pusillus</i>, <i>Rh. sanguineus s.l.</i>, <i>Rh. bursa</i>, <i>Rh. turanicus</i>, and <i>Dermacentor marginatus</i>, several of which are known vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Overall, 14% of ticks were positive for TBPs, mainly bacteria of <i>Rickettsia</i> genus. Molecular analyses detected <i>Rickettsia slovaca</i>, <i>R. massiliae</i>, <i>Candidatus</i> R. shennongii, <i>R. conorii</i>, <i>R. felis</i>, and <i>R. barbariae</i>. Additionally, single detections of <i>Coxiella burnetii</i> and <i>Theileria annulata</i> were recorded. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted on <i>Rickettsia</i> sequences. The range of ticks and TBPs present in this area highlights potential public health concerns. New associations between tick species and TBPs were documented, though vector roles need further investigation. The study highlights the importance of monitoring tick populations in both rural and urban environments to protect public health and prevent tick-borne disease spreading.
ISSN:2076-2615