Tick-borne pathogens in removed ticks Veneto, northeastern Italy: A cross-sectional investigation

Anna Beltrame, Maureen Laroche, Monica Degani, Francesca Perandin, Zeno Bisoffi, Didier Raoult, Philippe Parola

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: In Italy, the incidence of tick-borne diseases in humans is underestimated, as they are not obligatorily notifiable. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from human subjects in Veneto region (northeastern Italy), an area for which no published studies are yet available. Method: Forty-five ticks prospectively removed from human subjects, between March and August 2016, were analysed for bacterial DNA. Results: Seven of 45 ticks were infected with bacteria, including human pathogens: 4 Rickettsia spp. (9%), including R. monacensis and R. helvetica; 3 Borrelia spp. and 1 Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Three subjects bitten by infected ticks reported symptoms. Conclusions: Rickettsiosis and anaplasmosis, tick-borne diseases previously not considered in northeastern Italy, should not be neglected. A new survey for a longer period is required to obtain stronger epidemiological data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)58-61
Number of pages4
JournalTravel Medicine and Infectious Disease
Volume26
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anaplasma
  • Borrelia
  • Italy
  • Rickettsia
  • Tick-borne diseases
  • Ticks

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tick-borne pathogens in removed ticks Veneto, northeastern Italy: A cross-sectional investigation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this