Virus investigation in ticks from migratory birds in Italy

New Microbiol. 2013 Oct;36(4):433-4. Epub 2013 Oct 1.

Abstract

The role of migratory birds in circulation tick-borne viruses needs to be better defined. In order to assess the potential role of migratory birds in exotic virus spread, we conducted a study to identify ticks collected from migratory birds in the Central Region of Italy, and performed molecular investigation for Crimea-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHFV), West Nile fever (WNFV) and Usutu (USUV) in the vectors. A total of 137 competent ticks were collected with predominance of Hyalomma species. Although, negative results were obtained for all viruses considered, the high proportion of Hyalomma ticks highlights the potential risk for the dissemination of tick-borne viruses through infested migratory birds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Migration
  • Animals
  • Arachnid Vectors / classification
  • Arachnid Vectors / virology*
  • Birds / parasitology*
  • Birds / physiology
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo / genetics
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo / isolation & purification*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo / radiation effects
  • Italien
  • Phylogeny
  • Ticks / classification
  • Ticks / virology*
  • West Nile virus / genetics
  • West Nile virus / isolation & purification*