RESEARCH PAPER
The potential risk of human exposure to tick borne infection by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti in selected recreational areas of the Poprad Landscape Park in southern Poland
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1
Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, University of the National Education Commission, Kraków, Poland
2
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
3
Department of Forest Management Planning, University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
4
Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia,
Katowice, Poland
Corresponding author
Sylwia Koczanowicz
Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, University of the National Education Commission, Podchorążych 2, 30-084, Kraków, Poland
Ann Agric Environ Med. 2024;31(3):345-350
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Ticks (Acari:Ixodida) are dangerous ectoparasites and, at the same time, vectors and/or resevoirs of many pathogens, among others Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti. These ethiological agents of Lyme borreliosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis are transferred to humans mainly by ticks during feeding. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential risk of human exposure to tick borne infection of B. burgdorferi s.l., A. phagocytophilum and B. microti in selected areas of Poprad Landscape Park in southern Poland [PLP].
Material and methods:
Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected from vegetation by the flagging method. Under a stereoscopic microscope, specimens were determined to the species and developmental stage. In total, DNA was isolated from 363 ticks. To detect B. burgdorferi s.l,.two pairs of primers specific to the flagelline gene were used. In turn, to detect A. phagocytophilum and B. microti, two pairs of primers specific to the 16S rRNA gene fragment and 18S rRNA gene fragment were used, respectively. The amplification products were separated electrophoretically in 2% ethidium bromide stained agarose gels, and visualized under ultra violet light.
Results:
Generally, pathogens were observed in 19.6% of ticks. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was detected in 11.8% of studied ticks. In turn, A. phagocytophlium and B. microti were presented, respectively, in 0.3% and 7.4% of examined I. ricinus.
Conclusions:
The study indicated a potentially high risk of human exposure to infection with tick-borne pathogens, mainly B. burgdorferi s.l. and B. microti, in the areas of PLP. In turn, the presence of A. phagocytophilum in lower percentage was shown in the studied ticks
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The study was funded by the Doctoral School of the University
of the Commission of National Education in Kraków, Poland
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