Retrospective molecular analyses of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from patients admitted to the Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases in Central Europe, Hungary (1999-2021), in relation to clinical symptoms.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study aimed at investigating the diversity of pathogens in human-biting ixodid ticks, in relation to their seasonality and associated clinical symptoms.

Methods

Hard ticks, collected from humans in the course of 23 years, were identified to the species level on a morphological basis. This was followed by DNA extraction and molecular analyses. The latter served to confirm tick species, and to detect important tick-borne pathogens, in particular rickettsiae, Anaplasmataceae, borreliae, and piroplasms.

Results

Among 502 ticks, six species were identified, with the predominance of Ixodes ricinus. Considering tick-borne pathogens, four Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, seven genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and three Babesia spp. we

SUBMITTER: Hornok S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12180167 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature