Multiple Infections of Tick-Borne Pathogens inIxodesSpp. (Acarina, Ixodidae)

Abstract

Over one thousand hungry Ixodes persulcatus adults collected by flagging and in 110 pools of Ixodes ricinus nymphs and larvae obtained from 1,606 migratory passerine birds have been investigated. Ixodes persulcatus were screened using PCR techniques for seven pathogens: tick-borne encephalitis virus, three Borrelia species, two Ehrlichia species, and Babesia sp., while I. ricinus for three first groups only. Prevalence of infection of I. persulcatus was 32.5%; 37.6% of all infections were multiple. Ticks infected by Borrelia burgdorferi s.s., and Babesia microti were recorded only in combination. Human monocytic ehrlichiosis agent (Ehrlichia muris) was encountered in mixed infections in 74.2%. Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent (Anaplasma phagocytophila) was detected mainly with borreliae. Singletons of Ixodes ricinus were multiinfected in 18%, whereas nymphs and larvae collected in pools in 42%. Triple infections were common. Knowledge of multiinfection in vectors is very important for ecologists, par...