Abstract
Questing Ixodes ricinus ticks from different regions of Poland were investigated for the presence of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. A total of 1214 DNA samples of 2813 ticks, including 820 individual adult ticks and 394 pools containing 1993 nymphs, were tested by PCR for a fragment of the rickettsial gltA gene using the primers RpCs.877 and RpCs.1258. Overall, at least 5.5% ticks were found to be positive with the highest prevalence observed in females (10.6%). A sample of 14 positive PCR products was sequenced. Analyzed fragments of 270–370 bp showed 100% similarities to corresponding sequences of Rickettsia helvetica deposited in the GenBank. Results of our investigation confirm the occurrence and wide distribution of R. helvetica in I. ricinus tick populations in Poland. This rickettsia should be added to the list of potentially dangerous pathogens transmitted by ticks in our country.
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