Abstract
Risk perception, together with the adoption of measures to prevent tick bites, may strongly influence human exposure to ticks and transmitted pathogens. We created a questionnaire to evaluate how people perceive the health risk posed by ticks in an area recently invaded by these arthropods, in the western Italian Alps. Moreover, through a collaborative effort with park rangers and physicians, we investigated which tick species bite humans and their infection with pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and spotted-fever group Rickettsiae). Apart from two Dermacentor marginatus bites, we identified Ixodes ricinus (n = 124) as the main species responsible for tick bites. The investigated pathogens infected 25.4% of tested I. ricinus. The evaluation of the engorgement rate of biting I. ricinus revealed that they had been likely feeding on humans for 24 h or more, suggesting a high probability of pathogen transmission. Indeed, the questionnaires revealed that people infrequently adopt preventive measures, such as inspecting the body for ticks, although most respondents claimed that ticks are a threat to human health. Having suffered from previous tick bites was positively associated with the adoption of personal protection measures. Given the increasing incidence of tick-borne diseases in the region, the public should be better informed about the possibility of being bitten by infected ticks in order to mitigate the risk.
Highlights
Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), transmitted by Ixodes ricinus, are the most common tick-borne diseases reported in Europe and their incidence has been increasing over the past decades [1,2]
Two Dermacentor marginatus adults were collected from two different patients referred to the emergency unit of Susa Hospital
Our research indicates that: i) people inhabiting or visiting natural areas of Piedmont region, northwestern Italy, are exposed to infected tick bites; ii) the generally low level of awareness and subsequent protection may potentially enhance the likelihood of contracting tick-borne diseases
Summary
Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), transmitted by Ixodes ricinus, are the most common tick-borne diseases reported in Europe and their incidence has been increasing over the past decades [1,2]. I. ricinus, the most abundant tick vector in Europe [3], has expanded its geographical distribution into areas at higher altitude or latitude, up until now deemed unsuitable [4]. Optimal habitats for I. ricinus include moist and shady woodlands, leaf litter, and medium to large-sized wildlife; these habitats represent risk areas for tick bites and for contracting tick-borne diseases. Dermacentor spp. are expanding their distribution range in Europe, and are emerging as disease vectors [5]; they can transmit several viruses (e.g., TBEV) and Rickettsiales [3]. It was reported that they bite humans, at lower rates than I. ricinus
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