Investigation of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ixodes ricinus in a Peri-Urban Park in Lombardy (Italy) Reveals the Presence of Emerging Pathogens
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2021
Citazione:
Investigation of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ixodes ricinus in a Peri-Urban Park in Lombardy (Italy) Reveals the Presence of Emerging Pathogens / A. Cafiso, E. Olivieri, A. Maria Floriano, G. Chiappa, V. Serra, D. Sassera, C. Bazzocchi. - In: PATHOGENS. - ISSN 2076-0817. - 10:6(2021 Jun), pp. 732.1-732.9. [10.3390/pathogens10060732]
Abstract:
Ticks are important vectors of a great range of pathogens of medical and veterinary
importance. Lately, the spread of known tick-borne pathogens has been expanding, and novel ones
have been identified as (re)emerging health threats. Updating the current knowledge on tick-borne
pathogens in areas where humans and animals can be easily exposed to ticks represents a starting
point for epidemiological studies and public awareness. A PCR screening for tick-borne pathogens
was carried out in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in a peri-urban recreational park in Ticino Valley, Italy.
The presence of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi senso latu complex, Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp.
was evaluated in a total of 415 I. ricinus specimens. Rickettsia spp. (R monacensis and R. helvetica) were
detected in 22.96% of the samples, while B. burgdorferi s.l. complex (B. afzelii and B. lusitaniae) were
present in 10.94%. Neoehrlichia mikurensis (1.99%) and Babesia venatorum (0.73%) were reported in the
area of study for the first time. This study confirmed the presence of endemic tick-borne pathogens
and highlighted the presence of emerging pathogens that should be monitored especially in relation
to fragile patients, the difficult diagnosis of tick-borne associated diseases and possible interactions
with other tick-borne pathogens.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Elenco autori:
A. Cafiso, E. Olivieri, A. Maria Floriano, G. Chiappa, V. Serra, D. Sassera, C. Bazzocchi
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