Evaluating Transmission Paths for Three Different spp. in Ticks Using Artificial Feeding.

Bartonellae are facultative intracellular alpha-proteobacteria often transmitted by arthropods. is the most important vector for arthropod-borne pathogens in Europe. However, its vector competence for spp. is still unclear. This study aimed to experimentally compare its vector competence for three species: , , and . A total of 1333 ticks (1021 nymphs and 312 adults) were separated into four groups, one for each pathogen and a negative control group. Ticks were fed artificially with bovine blood spiked with the respective species. DNA was extracted from selected ticks to verify -infection by PCR. DNA of spp. was detected in 34% of nymphs and females after feeding. The best engorgement results were obtained by ticks fed with -spiked blood (65.3%) and (61.6%). Significantly more nymphs fed on infected blood (37.3%) molted into adults compared to the control group (11.4%). DNA was found in 22% of eggs laid by previously infected females and in 8.6% of adults molted from infected nymphs. The transovarial and transstadial transmission of bartonellae suggest that could be a potential vector for three bacteria.