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

被引：1

作者：

Di Bella, Santina ^{[1
]}

Blanda, Valeria ^{[1
,2
]}

Scibetta, Silvia ^{[1
]}

Giacchino, Ilenia ^{[2
]}

Gentile, Antonino ^{[1
]}

Chiarenza, Giuseppina ^{[2
]}

Cannella, Vincenza ^{[1
]}

Provinzano, Giovanni ^{[3
]}

Grippi, Francesca ^{[2
]}

Guercio, Annalisa ^{[1
]}

机构：

[1] Ist Zooprofilatt Sperimentale Sicilia A Mirri, Ctr Referenza Nazl Anaplasma, I-90129 Palermo, Italy

[2] Ist Zooprofilatt Sperimentale Sicilia A Mirri, Area Diagnost Sierol, I-90129 Palermo, Italy

[3] Ente Gestore Assoc Ranger Italia Sez Sicilia ODV, Riserva Nat Monte Pellegrino, I-90146 Palermo, Italy

来源：

ANIMALS | 2025年 / 15卷 / 01期

关键词：

ticks; Rickettsia; tick-borne pathogens; Piroplasmids; Coxiella burnetii; zoonosis; nature reserve; SPOTTED-FEVER GROUP; RHIPICEPHALUS-BURSA; COXIELLA-BURNETII; FELIS INFECTION; EHRLICHIA-CANIS; ACARI IXODIDAE; CLIMATE-CHANGE; HUMANS; BACTERIA; DISEASES;

D O I：

10.3390/ani15010072

中图分类号：

S8 [畜牧、动物医学、狩猎、蚕、蜂];

学科分类号：

0905 ;

摘要：

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: Hyalomma lusitanicum, Rhipicephalus pusillus, Rh. sanguineus s.l., Rh. bursa, Rh. turanicus, and Dermacentor marginatus, several of which are known vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Overall, 14% of ticks were positive for TBPs, mainly bacteria of Rickettsia genus. Molecular analyses detected Rickettsia slovaca, R. massiliae, Candidatus R. shennongii, R. conorii, R. felis, and R. barbariae. Additionally, single detections of Coxiella burnetii and Theileria annulata were recorded. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted on Rickettsia 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.

引用

页数：20