Tick-borne pathogens in natural focus of Paňovce, eastern Slovakia

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, seasonal dynamics and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in host seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks from the area of  Paňovce, in the region of Košice city, eastern Slovakia.

During a three year period (2010-2012), altogether 864 I. ricinus ticks were collected over 26,75 hours of flagging. The relative density reached 32.3 ticks per hour of flagging. The curve of the ticks' seasonal activity had a one-peak shape with a maximum in the summer months. Altogether, 579 ticks were screened for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato by using of PCR based methods. The mean prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in questing ticks was ±1%. The presence of Babesia spp., in the tested ticks was detected in less than 1%. Borrelial DNA was confirmed in roughly ±12% of the tested ticks. PCR-RFLP genotyping, affirmed the presence of B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. valaisiana and also co-infections with B. garinii and B. valaisiana.

At the same time, we investigated the infestation of game animals from this area by the ticks and other ectoparasites. Samples of genomic DNA isolated from 22 game animals, shoot in the studied area, and 21 removed ectoparasites (ticks and deer keds) were examined for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. In seven samples was detected the presence of the members from family Anaplasmataceae. Sequencing confirmed A. phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. in four tested roe deer and in DNA samples isolated from removed ectoparasites. It is very important to explore the presence of circulating pathogens, their genotypes in vector ticks and hosts in different environments, the rates of infection and geographical distribution in order to assess the risk ratio for human health.