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Thomas G. T. Jaenson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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prevalence of tick borne encephalitis virus in ixodes Ricinus ticks in northern europe with particular reference to southern sweden
Parasites & Vectors, 2014Co-Authors: John H O Pettersson, Irina Golovljova, Sirkka Vene, Thomas G. T. JaensonAbstract:Background: In northern Europe, the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) of the European subtype is usually transmitted to humans by the common tick Ixodes Ricinus. The aims of the present study are (i) to obtain up-to-date information on the TBEV prevalence in host-seeking I. Ricinus in southern and central Sweden; (ii) to compile and review all relevant published records on the prevalence of TBEV in ticks in northern Europe; and (iii) to analyse and try to explain how the TBE virus can be maintained in natural foci despite an apparently low TBEV infection prevalence in the vector population. Methods: To estimate the mean minimum infection rate (MIR) of TBEV in I. Ricinus in northern Europe (i.e. Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland) we reviewed all published TBEV prevalence data for host-seeking I. Ricinus collected during 1958–2011. Moreover, we collected 2,074 nymphs and 906 adults of I. Ricinus from 29 localities in Sweden during 2008. These ticks were screened for TBEV by RT-PCR. Results: The MIR for TBEV in nymphal and adult I. Ricinus was 0.28% for northern Europe and 0.23% for southern Sweden. The infection prevalence of TBEV was significantly lower in nymphs (0.10%) than in adult ticks (0.55%). At a well-known TBEV-endemic locality, Toro island south-east of Stockholm, the TBEV prevalence (MIR) was 0.51% in nymphs and 4.48% in adults of I. Ricinus. Conclusions: If the ratio of nymphs to adult ticks in the TBEV-analysed sample differs from that in the I. Ricinus population in the field, the MIR obtained will not necessarily reflect the TBEV prevalence in the field. The relatively low TBEV prevalence in the potential vector population recorded in most studies may partly be due to: (i) inclusion of uninfected ticks from the ‘uninfected areas’ surrounding the TBEV endemic foci; (ii) inclusion of an unrepresentative, too large proportion of immature ticks, compared to adult ticks, in the analysed tick pools; and (iii) shortcomings in the laboratory techniques used to detect the virus that may be present in a very low concentration or undetectable state in ticks which have not recently fed.
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ixodes Ricinus ticks removed from humans in northern europe seasonal pattern of infestation attachment sites and duration of feeding
Parasites & Vectors, 2013Co-Authors: Peter Wilhelmsson, Thomas G. T. Jaenson, Pontus Lindblom, Linda Fryland, Dag Nyman, Pia Forsberg, Pereric LindgrenAbstract:Background The common tick Ixodes Ricinus is the main vector in Europe of the tick-borne encephalitis virus and of several species of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, which are the etiological agents of Lyme borreliosis. The risk to contract bites of I. Ricinus is dependent on many factors including the behaviour of both ticks and people. The tick’s site of attachment on the human body and the duration of tick attachment may be of clinical importance. Data on I. Ricinus ticks, which were found attached to the skin of people, were analysed regarding potentially stage-specific differences in location of attachment sites, duration of tick attachment (= feeding duration), seasonal and geographical distribution of tick infestation in relation to age and gender of the tick-infested hosts.
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the range of ixodes Ricinus and the risk of contracting lyme borreliosis will increase northwards when the vegetation period becomes longer
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 2011Co-Authors: Thomas G. T. Jaenson, Elisabet LindgrenAbstract:In Sweden, the geographical distribution of Lyme borreliosis corresponds to that of its vector Ixodes Ricinus. Both tick activity and the length of the vegetation period are determined by daily mean temperatures ≥5 °C. We analysed the correspondence between the distribution of I. Ricinus in Sweden, the start date, end date, and length of the vegetation period, and the distributions of tick habitat-associated plant species. The geographical distribution of I. Ricinus in Sweden corresponds to a vegetation period averaging ∼170 days, an early start (before May 1st) of spring, and to the distribution of black alder (Alnus glutinosa). Based on scenario models for these parameters, changes in the range and abundance of I. Ricinus were projected for the periods 2011–2040, 2041–2070, and 2071–2100. We conclude that climate change during this century will probably increase the geographic range of I. Ricinus as vegetation communities and mammals associated with high tick densities will increase their geographic ranges due to a markedly prolonged vegetation period. By the end of this century, the ranges of I. Ricinus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato may, in suitable habitats, encompass most of Sweden, Norway, and Finland as far as 70°N, except the mountainous regions. This will lead to an increased Lyme borreliosis risk in northern Scandinavia.
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Ixodes Ricinus strains in Europe
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie-international Journal of Medical Microbiology Virology Parasitology and Infectious Diseases, 1998Co-Authors: Agustín Estrada-peña, M. Daniel, F. Frandsen, Lise Gern, George Gettinby, Jeremy S. Gray, Thomas G. T. Jaenson, Frans Jongejan, Olaf Kahl, E. KorenbergAbstract:An analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons (CH) of unfed adult Ixodes Ricinus ticks collected throughout Europe showed that there are 10 distinct I. Ricinus groups. Studies on the seasonal and annual consistency of CH composition and possible effects of host and environmental factors suggested that CHs may be used as a genuine genetic marker for I. Ricinus. Preliminary studies compared the vector competence of ticks from three of the most separated I. Ricinus groups and the results suggested that there may be significant differences in tick susceptibility to Borrelia afzelii.
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Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection in Ixodes Ricinus in Sweden
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1995Co-Authors: Rolf Gustafson, Thomas G. T. Jaenson, Ann Gardulf, Hans Mejlon, Bo SvenungssonAbstract:Between 1988-1991, a total of 3,141 Ixodes Ricinus ticks, 2,740 adults and 401 nymphs, was collected from different localities in 23 of the 25 provinces of Sweden. The ticks were identified, dissected and examined for the presence of Borrelia spirochetes. Indirect immunofluorescence was performed, using an antiserum obtained from rabbits, immunized with sonicated, whole Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes isolated from Swedish Ixodes Ricinus ticks. Borrelia-positive I. Ricinus were found in all 23 provinces. The prevalence of infection in adults ranged from 3% in Jamtland to 23% in Sodermanland. In nymphs, the infection prevalence ranged from 0% in 9 provinces to 15% in Sodermanland. A significantly greater proportion of the adult ticks were found to be positive for Borrelia in the southern and central parts of Sweden as compared to the northern part (Norrland). No significant difference in prevalence could be demonstrated between the western and eastern parts of Sweden. On average, 10% of the nymphs and 15% of the adult I. Ricinus were positive for Borrelia. Of 41 non-I. Ricinus ticks, none was positive for Borrelia. This study shows that Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is present throughout the distributional area of I. Ricinus in Sweden. This should lead to increased awareness of signs and symptoms compatible with Lyme borreliosis in persons living in or visiting areas where I. Ricinus is present.
Alain Chauvin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Experimental in vitro transmission of Babesia sp. (EU1) by Ixodes Ricinus.
Veterinary Research, 2009Co-Authors: S. Bonnet, Maggy Jouglin, Nadine Brisseau, Axelle Hermouet, Alain ChauvinAbstract:Babesia sp. (EU1), first characterized in 2003, has been implicated in human cases of babesiosis in Italy, Austria and Germany. It has been identified in roe deer and in its suspected tick vector, Ixodes Ricinus, in several European countries. The aim of the present study was to validate the competence of I. Ricinus as a vector of Babesia sp. (EU1) via experimental infections. For this purpose, a parasite strain isolated from roe deer was cloned in sheep erythrocytes. After experimental infections, parasite DNA was successfully amplified by PCR in both eggs and larvae originating from infected I. Ricinus females and in the salivary glands of females exposed to Babesia sp. (EU1) as nymphs. We also demonstrate that infected females were able to transmit parasite DNA during a new blood meal. Together with previous epidemiological studies, these results validate I. Ricinus as a competent vector for Babesia sp. (EU1).
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Natural Transmission of Zoonotic Babesia spp. by Ixodes Ricinus Ticks
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2009Co-Authors: Claire A.m. Becker, Agnès Bouju-albert, Maggy Jouglin, Alain Chauvin, Laurence MalandrinAbstract:To determine characteristics of natural transmission of Babesia sp. EU1 and B. divergens by adult Ixodes Ricinus ticks, we examined tick salivary gland contents. We found that I. Ricinus is a competent vector for EU1 and that their sporozoites directly invade erythrocytes. We conclude that EU1 is naturally transmitted by I. Ricinus.
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transmission of bartonella henselae by ixodes Ricinus
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2008Co-Authors: Violaine Cotte, Alain Chauvin, Sarah Bonnet, Danielle Le Rhun, Evelyne Le Naour, Henrijean Boulouis, Benoit Lecuelle, Thomas Lilin, Muriel VayssiertaussatAbstract:Bartonella spp. are facultative intracellular bacteria associated with several emerging diseases in humans and animals. B. henselae causes cat-scratch disease and is increasingly associated with several other syndromes, particularly ocular infections and endocarditis. Cats are the main reservoir for B. henselae and the bacteria are transmitted to cats by cat fleas. However, new potential vectors are suspected of transmitting B. henselae, in particular, Ixodes Ricinus, the most abundant ixodid tick that bites humans in western Europe. We used a membrane-feeding technique to infect I. Ricinus with B. henselae and demonstrate transmission of B. henselae within I. Ricinus across developmental stages, migration or multiplication of B. henselae in salivary glands after a second meal, and transmission of viable and infective B. henselae from ticks to blood. These results provide evidence that I. Ricinus is a competent vector for B. henselae.
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babesia sp eu1 from roe deer and transmission within ixodes Ricinus
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2007Co-Authors: Sarah Bonnet, Maggy Jouglin, Monique Lhostis, Alain ChauvinAbstract:Babesiosis is a zoonosis caused by intraerythrocytic piroplasms of the genus Babesia, which are transmitted by ticks (1). In Europe, ≈30 human cases of babesiosis have been reported over the past 50 years and have been traditionally attributed to infection with the bovine parasite B. divergens transmitted by Ixodes Ricinus (2,3). However, in 2003, Herwaldt et al. described the first molecular characterization of a new Babesia species, Babesia sp. EU1, isolated from 2 persons in Austria and Italy (4). Since this description, EU1 has been recovered from roe deer in Slovenia (5) and from I. Ricinus in Slovenia (6) and Switzerland (7,8). Babesia species EU1 merits increased attention as a potential agent of emerging tickborne disease in humans because its suspected vector, I. Ricinus, is the most prevalent and widely distributed tick in Europe and frequently bites humans. To evaluate the public health importance of EU1, its vector, animal reservoir hosts, and geographic distribution must be identified. We identified EU1 in roe deer and in I. Ricinus in western France.
Irina Golovljova - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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natural hybridization between ixodes Ricinus and ixodes persulcatus ticks evidenced by molecular genetics methods
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Sergey Y Kovalev, Irina Golovljova, Tatyana A MukhachevaAbstract:The recently shown phenomenon of natural hybridization between Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes pavlovskyi ticks (Kovalev et al., 2015) stimulated similar studies in the sympatric zones of other tick species. In the present paper, 265 Ixodes Ricinus and I. persulcatus ticks from Estonia were subjected to a search for interspecific hybrids based on nuclear (ITS2) and mitochondrial (cox1) markers as well as morphological features. Surprisingly, only 72.1% of ticks morphologically identified as I. Ricinus actually were I. Ricinus both at nuclear and mitochondrial markers, while the accuracy of morphological species identification for I. persulcatus was 99.3%. Among ticks morphologically identified as I. Ricinus, 24.6% turned out to be interspecific hybrids and 3.3% were I. persulcatus. Generally, about 11% of the individuals studied were shown to be interspecific hybrids with different levels of nuclear DNA introgression. The analysis of hybrid populations proved the mating pair female I. Ricinus×male I. persulcatus to form hybrids more efficiently, then female I. persulcatus×male I. Ricinus. The same trend can be observed for backcrosses preferentially mating with I. Ricinus. Hybridization between I. Ricinus and I. persulcatus proved the existing view about their reproductive isolation to be untenable. Interspecific hybridization occurring between both closely (I. persulcatus and I. pavlovskyi) and more distantly (I. Ricinus and I. persulcatus) related Ixodes species could introduce novel alleles that modify vector competence, host use or the ability to exploit diverse microhabitats.
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prevalence of tick borne encephalitis virus in ixodes Ricinus ticks in northern europe with particular reference to southern sweden
Parasites & Vectors, 2014Co-Authors: John H O Pettersson, Irina Golovljova, Sirkka Vene, Thomas G. T. JaensonAbstract:Background: In northern Europe, the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) of the European subtype is usually transmitted to humans by the common tick Ixodes Ricinus. The aims of the present study are (i) to obtain up-to-date information on the TBEV prevalence in host-seeking I. Ricinus in southern and central Sweden; (ii) to compile and review all relevant published records on the prevalence of TBEV in ticks in northern Europe; and (iii) to analyse and try to explain how the TBE virus can be maintained in natural foci despite an apparently low TBEV infection prevalence in the vector population. Methods: To estimate the mean minimum infection rate (MIR) of TBEV in I. Ricinus in northern Europe (i.e. Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland) we reviewed all published TBEV prevalence data for host-seeking I. Ricinus collected during 1958–2011. Moreover, we collected 2,074 nymphs and 906 adults of I. Ricinus from 29 localities in Sweden during 2008. These ticks were screened for TBEV by RT-PCR. Results: The MIR for TBEV in nymphal and adult I. Ricinus was 0.28% for northern Europe and 0.23% for southern Sweden. The infection prevalence of TBEV was significantly lower in nymphs (0.10%) than in adult ticks (0.55%). At a well-known TBEV-endemic locality, Toro island south-east of Stockholm, the TBEV prevalence (MIR) was 0.51% in nymphs and 4.48% in adults of I. Ricinus. Conclusions: If the ratio of nymphs to adult ticks in the TBEV-analysed sample differs from that in the I. Ricinus population in the field, the MIR obtained will not necessarily reflect the TBEV prevalence in the field. The relatively low TBEV prevalence in the potential vector population recorded in most studies may partly be due to: (i) inclusion of uninfected ticks from the ‘uninfected areas’ surrounding the TBEV endemic foci; (ii) inclusion of an unrepresentative, too large proportion of immature ticks, compared to adult ticks, in the analysed tick pools; and (iii) shortcomings in the laboratory techniques used to detect the virus that may be present in a very low concentration or undetectable state in ticks which have not recently fed.
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detection and characterization of tick borne encephalitis virus in baltic countries and eastern poland
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Olga Katargina, Stanislava Russakova, Julia Geller, Macije Kondrusik, J Zajkowska, Milda Zygutiene, Antra Bormane, Julia Trofimova, Irina GolovljovaAbstract:Ticks were collected from the vegetation in the Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and eastern Poland and analyzed for the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) by amplification of the partial E and NS3 genes. In Estonia we found statistically significant differences in the TBEV prevalence between I. persulcatus and I. Ricinus ticks (4.23% and 0.42%, respectively). In Latvia, the difference in TBEV prevalence between the two species was not statistically significant (1.02% for I. persulcatus and 1.51% for I. Ricinus, respectively). In Lithuania and Poland TBEV was detected in 0.24% and 0.11% of I. Ricinus ticks, respectively. Genetic characterization of the partial E and NS3 sequences demonstrated that the TBEV strains belonged to the European subtype in all countries, as well as to the Siberian subtype in Estonia. We also found that in areas where ranges of two tick species overlap, the TBEV subtypes may be detected not only in their natural vector, but also in sympatric tick species.
Jolyon M Medlock - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Surveillance of Ixodes Ricinus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Iceland
Parasites & Vectors, 2017Co-Authors: Matthias Alfredsson, Kayleigh M. Hansford, Erling Olafsson, Matthías Eydal, Ester Rut Unnsteinsdottir, William Wint, Neil Alexander, Jolyon M MedlockAbstract:Ixodes Ricinus is a three-host tick, a principal vector of Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) and one of the main vectors of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus. Iceland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean with subpolar oceanic climate. During the past 3–4 decades, average temperature has increased, supporting more favourable conditions for ticks. Reports of I. Ricinus have increased in recent years. If these ticks were able to establish in a changing climate, Iceland may face new threats posed by tick-borne diseases. Active field surveillance by tick flagging was conducted at 111 sites around Iceland from August 2015 to September 2016. Longworth mammal traps were used to trap Apodemus sylvaticus in southwestern and southern Iceland. Surveillance on tick importation by migratory birds was conducted in southeastern Iceland, using bird nets and a Heligoland trap. Vulpes lagopus carcasses from all regions of the country were inspected for ticks. In addition, existing and new passive surveillance data from two institutes have been merged and are presented. Continental probability of presence models were produced. Boosted Regression Trees spatial modelling methods and its predictions were assessed against reported presence. By field sampling 26 questing I. Ricinus ticks (7 males, 3 females and 16 nymphs) were collected from vegetation from three locations in southern and southeastern Iceland. Four ticks were found on migratory birds at their arrival in May 2016. A total of 52 A. sylvaticus were live-trapped but no ticks were found nor on 315 V. lagopus carcasses. Passive surveillance data collected since 1976, reports further 214 I. Ricinus ticks from 202 records, with an increase of submissions in recent years. The continental probability of presence model correctly predicts approximately 75% of the recorded presences, but fails to predict a fairly specific category of recorded presence in areas where the records are probably opportunistic and not likely to lead to establishment. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first finding of questing I. Ricinus ticks in Iceland. The species could possibly be established locally in Iceland in low abundance, although no questing larvae have yet been detected to confirm established populations. Submitted tick records have increased recently, which may reflect an increase in exposure, or in interest in ticks. Furthermore, the amount of records on dogs, cats and humans indicate that ticks were acquired locally, presenting a local biting risk. Tick findings on migratory birds highlight a possible route of importation. Obtaining questing larvae is now a priority to confirm that I. Ricinus populations are established in Iceland. Further surveys on wild mammals (e.g. Rangifer tarandus), livestock and migratory birds are recommended to better understand their role as potential hosts for I. Ricinus.
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Surveillance for Ixodes Ricinus ticks (Acari, Ixodidae) on the Faroe Islands
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Jolyon M Medlock, Kayleigh M. Hansford, Alexander G.c. Vaux, William Simonsen, Jens-kjeld Jensen, Christina Joensen, V. Versteirt, Leivur Janus HansenAbstract:Abstract Ixodes Ricinus ticks are expanding their geographic range in Europe, both latitudinally in Scandinavia, and altitudinally in the European Alps. This paper details the findings of both passive and active surveillance on the Faroe Islands. Active field surveillance, using tick dragging, was conducted at 38 sites across the main seven inhabited islands of the Faroes during June-August 2015. Field sampling was conducted at all wooded sites on the islands of Vagar, Streymoy, Eysturoy, Borðoy, Kunoy and Suðuroy as well as in urban parks in the capital Torshavn, among seabird colonies and at a bird observatory on Nolsoy, at moorland sites on Vagar and Borðoy, and a coastal headland on Suðuroy. In addition, as part of the promotion of a new passive surveillance scheme for the Faroes, new tick records were submitted during summer 2015 and early spring 2016. During tick dragging, only three questing I. Ricinus ticks (two nymphs, one male) were found at two separate sampling locations in the village of Tvoroyri on the southernmost island of Suðuroy. No questing ticks were found at any other field site. The passive surveillance of ticks identified an additional 33 records of I. Ricinus collected during the last 10 years on the Faroes, with almost half of these records from 2015. Although this represents the first finding of questing I. Ricinus and overwintering I. Ricinus on the Faroe Islands, there appears to be little evidence so far to suggest that Ixodes Ricinus are established on the Faroe Islands. Additional reports of ticks through the passive surveillance scheme are reported from seven inhabited islands. Reports of ticks on both companion animals and humans suggest that ticks are being acquired locally, and the records of ticks on migratory birds highlight a possible route of importation. This paper details the likely ecological constraints on I. Ricinus establishment and density on Faroe and makes recommendations for future surveillance and research.
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borrelia miyamotoi in host seeking ixodes Ricinus ticks in england
Epidemiology and Infection, 2015Co-Authors: Kayleigh M. Hansford, Hein Sprong, Manoj Fonville, Setareh Jahfari, Jolyon M MedlockAbstract:This paper reports the first detection of Borrelia miyamotoi in UK Ixodes Ricinus ticks. It also reports on the presence and infection rates of I. Ricinus for a number of other tick-borne pathogens of public health importance. Ticks from seven regions in southern England were screened for B. miyamotoi, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato ( s.l .), Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Neoehrlichia mikurensis using qPCR. A total of 954 I. Ricinus ticks were tested, 40 were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l ., 22 positive for A. phagocytophilum and three positive for B. miyamotoi , with no N. mikurensis detected. The three positive B. miyamotoi ticks came from three geographically distinct areas, suggesting a widespread distribution, and from two separate years, suggesting some degree of endemicity. Understanding the prevalence of Borrelia and other tick-borne pathogens in ticks is crucial for locating high-risk areas of disease transmission.
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first detection of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ixodes Ricinus and dermacentor reticulatus ticks in the uk
Epidemiology and Infection, 2011Co-Authors: Ellen Tijsseklasen, Hein Sprong, L J Jameson, Manoj Fonville, Steve Leach, Jolyon M MedlockAbstract:A preliminary study was conducted to determine the presence of spotted fever rickettsiae in two species of British tick ( Ixodes Ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ). The 16S rRNA gene of Rickettsia spp. was detected in 39/401 (9·7%) of ticks tested, including 22/338 (6·5%) I. Ricinus and 17/63 (27%) D. reticulatus . Some positive I. Ricinus samples showed 100% homology with Rickettsia helvetica (10/22), and most positive D. reticulatus showed 100% homology with R. raoultii (13/17). Five other Rickettsia spp. were detected exhibiting 96–99% homology. Ticks positive for rickettsiae were collected from various hosts and from vegetation from eight counties across Great Britain. The distribution of R. helvetica in various engorged and unfed stages of I. Ricinus suggests that R. helvetica is widespread. R. raoultii was found in questing adult D. reticulatus in Wales and England. This is the first evidence of potentially pathogenic spotted fever rickettsiae in British ticks.
Thomas Hartung - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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prevalence of borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies in ixodes Ricinus ticks in europe a metaanalysis
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2005Co-Authors: Carolin Rauter, Thomas HartungAbstract:In Europe, Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies causing Lyme borreliosis are mainly transmitted by the tick Ixodes Ricinus. Since its discovery, B. burgdorferi has been the subject of many epidemiological studies to determine its prevalence and the distribution of the different genospecies in ticks. In the current study we systematically reviewed the literature on epidemiological studies of I. Ricinus ticks infected with B. burgdorferi sensu lato. A total of 1,186 abstracts in English published from 1984 to 2003 were identified by a PubMed keyword search and from the compiled article references. A multistep filter process was used to select relevant articles; 110 articles from 24 countries contained data on the rates of infection of I. Ricinus with Borrelia in Europe (112,579 ticks), and 44 articles from 21 countries included species-specific analyses (3,273 positive ticks). These data were used to evaluate the overall rate of infection of I. Ricinus with Borrelia genospecies, regional distributions within Europe, and changes over time, as well as the influence of different detection methods on the infection rate. While the infection rate was significantly higher in adults (18.6%) than in nymphs (10.1%), no effect of detection method, tick gender, or collection period (1986 to 1993 versus 1994 to 2002) was found. The highest rates of infection of I. Ricinus were found in countries in central Europe. B. afzelii and B. garinii are the most common Borrelia species, but the distribution of genospecies seems to vary in different regions in Europe. The most frequent coinfection by Borrelia species was found for B. garinii and B. valaisiana.
