Diversity of the Ixodes ricinus Microbiome Across Belgian Ecoregions and Its Association with Pathogen and Symbiont Presence.

ABSTRACT: Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, and their presence can be influenced by the composition of the tick microbiome. In turn, this microbiome is shaped by environmental and ecological factors, as demonstrated in several studies conducted under controlled conditions. However, the extent of these influences under natural ecological conditions remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated the diversity of the microbiome and the prevalence of pathogens in Ixodes ricinus nymphs across three distinct Belgian ecoregions: Sandy Loam, Condroz, and Ardennes. Using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Oxford Nanopore 16S rRNA sequencing, we assessed how geography and pathogen presence influence tick-associated microbial communities. Our results revealed significant regional dif

SUBMITTER: Philippe C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12245972 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature