Investigation of Tick-Borne Pathogens in in a Peri-Urban Park in Lombardy (Italy) Reveals the Presence of Emerging Pathogens.

Ticks are important vectors of a great range of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Lately, the spread of known tick-borne pathogens has been expanding, and novel ones have been identified as (re)emerging health threats. Updating the current knowledge on tick-borne pathogens in areas where humans and animals can be easily exposed to ticks represents a starting point for epidemiological studies and public awareness. A PCR screening for tick-borne pathogens was carried out in ticks collected in a peri-urban recreational park in Ticino Valley, Italy. The presence of spp., senso latu complex, spp. and spp. was evaluated in a total of 415 specimens. spp. ( and ) were detected in 22.96% of the samples, while s.l. complex ( and ) were present in 10.94%. (1.99%) and (0.73%) were reported in the area of study for the first time. This study confirmed the presence of endemic tick-borne pathogens and highlighted the presence of emerging pathogens that should be monitored especially in relation to fragile patients, the difficult diagnosis of tick-borne associated diseases and possible interactions with other tick-borne pathogens.