Molecular identification of Borrelia valaisiana and HGE-like Ehrlichia in Ixodes ricinus ticks sampled in north-eastern Italy: first report in Veneto region

Parassitologia. 2001 Sep;43(3):143-6.

Abstract

PCR amplification was applied to screen the presence of both Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Ehrlichia species in pools of field-collected Ixodes ricinus ticks. The specimens so far analysed (n = 55), grouped in 11 pools, were sampled in Feltre area (Veneto region, NE Italy). Five pools proved positive for B. valaisiana (45%) and one of them (9%) was also positive for Ehrlichia, that was further characterised as a HGE-like Ehrlichia. This is the first report of the two bacteria in the Veneto region. The pool positive for both pathogens was used to adjust a multiplex PCR assay, which allowed the detection and identification of both parasites in a single experiment. The advantages offered by this assay, when standardised, will substantially broaden the perspectives of ecological and epidemiological investigations on animal/human Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, greatly facilitating disease surveillance and control programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arachnid Vectors / microbiology*
  • Borrelia / classification
  • Borrelia / genetics
  • Borrelia / isolation & purification*
  • Borrelia burgdorferi / isolation & purification
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Disease Reservoirs
  • Ehrlichia / classification
  • Ehrlichia / genetics
  • Ehrlichia / isolation & purification*
  • Ehrlichiosis / microbiology
  • Genotype
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Ixodes / microbiology*
  • Lyme Disease / microbiology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial