Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory, Podgorica, Montenegro.
Parasit Vectors. 2024 Jan 31;17(1):45. doi: 10.1186/s13071-023-06116-1.
Ixodid ticks are distributed across all countries of the Western Balkans, with a high diversity of species. Many of these species serve as vectors of pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. Given the scattered data from Western Balkan countries, we have conducted a comprehensive review of available literature, including some historical data, with the aim to compile information about all recorded tick species and associated zoonotic pathogens in this region. Based on the collected data, the tick fauna of the Western Balkans encompasses 32 tick species belonging to five genera: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. A range of pathogens responsible for human diseases has also been documented, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. In this review, we emphasize the necessity for integrated surveillance and reporting, urging authorities to foster research by providing financial support. Additionally, international and interdisciplinary collaborations should be encouraged that include the exchange of expertise, experiences and resources. The present collaborative effort can effectively address gaps in our knowledge of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
壁虱分布于西巴尔干半岛的所有国家，物种多样性高。这些物种中有许多是兽医和医学重要病原体的传播媒介。鉴于来自西巴尔干国家的数据分散，我们对现有文献进行了全面审查，包括一些历史数据，旨在汇编该地区所有记录的壁虱物种和相关人畜共患病原体的信息。根据收集到的数据，西巴尔干半岛的壁虱动物群包括属于五个属的 32 种壁虱：硬蜱属、扇头蜱属、璃眼蜱属、革蜱属和血蜱属。已记录了多种导致人类疾病的病原体，包括病毒、细菌和寄生虫。在本次综述中，我们强调了进行综合监测和报告的必要性，敦促当局通过提供财政支持来促进研究。此外，应鼓励开展国际和跨学科合作，包括交流专业知识、经验和资源。这种合作努力可以有效地弥补我们对蜱虫和蜱传疾病的了解不足。
