Detection and prevalence of in ticks in eastern Poland.

INTRODUCTION

are tick-borne bacteria affecting both human and animal health. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of in questing ticks collected in Lublin Province, eastern Poland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ticks were collected by the flagging method. Total DNA from ticks was extracted by boiling in ammonium hydroxide. Detection of was performed by amplifying a fragment of the 16S rDNA gene.

RESULTS

Overall, 626 I. ricinus ticks were tested for the presence of DNA. The prevalence of the pathogenic bacteria was 1.28%. The occurrence of among adults was 1.8%, whereas none of the collected nymphs were infected.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed the presence of in in eastern Poland, which constitutes a potential health risk for residents, tourists, forestry, and agricultural workers.