The Genetic Diversity of Rickettsiella Symbionts in Ixodes ricinus Throughout Europe.

ABSTRACT: Rickettsiella species are bacterial symbionts that are present in a great variety of arthropod species, including ixodid ticks. However, little is known about their genetic diversity and distribution in Ixodes ricinus, as well as their relationship with other tick-associated bacteria. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and the genetic diversity of Rickettsiella spp. in I. ricinus throughout Europe and evaluated any preferential and antagonistic associations with Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii and the pathogens Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Borrelia miyamotoi. Rickettsiella spp. were detected in most I. ricinus populations investigated, encompassing a wide array of climate types and environments. The infection prevalence significantly differed between geographic locati

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Vozmediano A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9436858 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature