First evidence of <i>Babesia venatorum</i> and <i>Babesia capreoli</i> in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in the Czech Republic
Introduction and objective <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> is the most common tick species occurring in Central Europe and it serves as a principal vector of emerging human pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of <i>Babesia</i> spp. in host-seeking<i>...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Institute of Rural Health
2015-05-01
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| Series: | Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.journalssystem.com/aaem/First-evidence-of-i-Babesia-venatorum-i-and-i-Babesia-capreoli-i-in-questing-Ixodes-ricinus-ticks-in-the-Czech-Republic,72261,0,2.html |
| Summary: | Introduction and objective
<i>Ixodes ricinus</i> is the most common tick species occurring in Central Europe and it serves as a principal vector of emerging human pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of <i>Babesia</i> spp. in host-seeking<i> I. ricinus</i> in urban and natural habitats.
Material and Methods
PCR was applied on samples to assess prevalence of <i>Babesia</i> spp. in questing ixodid ticks. Sequencing was used for <i>Babesia</i> species determination.
Results
1,473 <i>I. ricinus</i> ticks (1,294 nymphs, 99 males and 80 females) were examined for the presence of <i>Babesia</i> spp. at the two study sites. Minimum infection rate for<i> Babesia</i> spp. was found to be 0.5% (infected I. ricinus nymphs were only detected in the natural ecosystem). Two <i>Babesia</i> species were identified by sequencing: <i>B. venatorum</i> (formerly called <i>Babesia</i> sp. EU1) and <i>B. capreoli</i>.
Conclusions
The results obtained represent the first evidence of the occurrence of <i>B. venatorum</i> and <i>B. capreoli</i> in host-seeking <i>I. ricinus</i> ticks in the Czech Republic. |
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| ISSN: | 1232-1966 1898-2263 |