Diversity of Babesia and Rickettsia Species in Questing Ixodes ricinus: A Longitudinal Study in Urban, Pasture, and Natural Habitats

摘要: In a previous study, our group investigated the Babesia spp. prevalence in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks from nine city parks South Germany years 2009 and 2010. We showed predominant of B. venatorum (in literature also known as sp. EU1), especially those more natural condition with occurrence large wild animals, such roe deer. To obtain longitudinal data to broaden knowledge about this pathogen, further investigations were carried out 2011 2012 four parks. Two additional habitat types chosen for comparison species analysis focusing on potential reservoir hosts. A total 10,303 I. collected parks, pasture, area Bavaria, representative number samples DNA (n=4381) Rickettsia (n=2186) by PCR. pasture area, significantly higher compared urban was detected. The revealed sequences microti, venatorum, capreoli. habitat, predominantly found, whereas capreoli less frequent only one microti-infected tick found. All microti 100% identical zoonotic Jena/Germany strain. For spp., highest detected areas, lower found area. Sequence R. helvetica (98%) monacensis (2%). Prevalence rates differed urban, sites, most likely depending structure (natural or cultivated) therefore appearance availability hosts like deer small mammals.