Infectious agents identified in ticks collected in Umbria Region (Italy)

Ticks can transmit viruses, bacteria and protozoa playing an important role in the epidemiology of tick borne diseases (TBDs). Because the ticks are reliable indicators for the existence of pathogens in a specific area, it is recommended to periodically screen animals and vectors for pathogen carriage. Umbria is a central region of Italy where the environmental features (macro and microclimate, deciduous forests, presence of a consistent population of wild boar and roe deer) offer ideal conditions for living of different species of ticks. The aim of the present study was to get data on the most commune tick-hosted pathogens in Umbria. Ticks were collected from environment and/or from animals skin. A total of 505 ticks were collected. PCR tests and DNA sequences revealed several pathogens. Rickettsia spp. was the most detected. The second infectious agent was Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In order to verify the possible spread of TBEv in domestic and wild species of the region, 390 sera from sheep and 211 sera from different species of wild animals were tested. Serological data evidenced the absence of TBE infection in tested animals. Negative the results for TBE virus in all the Ixodes spp. ticks