Scholarlink

Background <p>Ticks in Europe comprise over 100 species, with <i>Ixodes</i>, <i>Rhipicephalus</i>, <i>Dermacentor</i>, and <i>Haemaphysalis</i> being the most prevalent. <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> is the most widespread, while <i>Dermacentor reticulatus</i> is common in central Europe. <i>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</i> has expanded into temperate regions, affecting tick–host interactions and pathogen transmission. Companion animals, especially dogs and cats, are common tick hosts and vectors for pathogens such as borreliosis, anaplasmosis, and canine babesiosis. This study investigates the prevalence and species composition of ticks infesting dogs and cats in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania, focusing on seasonal trends and pathogen occurrence.</p> Methods <p>From 2020 to 2022, ticks were collected from dogs and cats during veterinary consultations across five countries. A total of 4563 ticks were identified morphologically, and 1085 were screened for pathogens, including <i>Babesia canis</i>, <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i>, <i>Ehrlichia canis</i>, and <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> sensu lato.</p> Results <p><i>I. ricinus</i> was the predominant species (65.0%), followed by <i>D. reticulatus</i> (29.8%) and <i>R. sanguineus</i> (3.8%). Ticks were present year-round, with peaks in spring and autumn. Of the 1085 tested ticks, 29.0% were positive for at least one pathogen, with <i>A. phagocytophilum</i> being the most common (15.0%). <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s.l. was detected in 7.0% of ticks, and <i>Babesia</i> spp. in 6.5%, predominantly <i>B. canis</i>.</p> Conclusions <p>This study highlights the year-round risk of tick infestations and vector-borne pathogen transmission in dogs and cats in Central Europe, underscoring the need for ongoing tick surveillance. Veterinary practitioners should enhance public awareness about ticks and associated health risks for companion animals.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from dogs and cats: a focus on Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月21日

查看全文
  • Sajjad Ghodrati,
  • Andra Nica,
  • Michal Ceregrzyn,
  • Lukasz Adaszek,
  • Jan Doležal,
  • Gianluca D’Amico,
  • David Modrý

摘要

Background

Ticks in Europe comprise over 100 species, with Ixodes, Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, and Haemaphysalis being the most prevalent. Ixodes ricinus is the most widespread, while Dermacentor reticulatus is common in central Europe. Rhipicephalus sanguineus has expanded into temperate regions, affecting tick–host interactions and pathogen transmission. Companion animals, especially dogs and cats, are common tick hosts and vectors for pathogens such as borreliosis, anaplasmosis, and canine babesiosis. This study investigates the prevalence and species composition of ticks infesting dogs and cats in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania, focusing on seasonal trends and pathogen occurrence.

Methods

From 2020 to 2022, ticks were collected from dogs and cats during veterinary consultations across five countries. A total of 4563 ticks were identified morphologically, and 1085 were screened for pathogens, including Babesia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.

Results

I. ricinus was the predominant species (65.0%), followed by D. reticulatus (29.8%) and R. sanguineus (3.8%). Ticks were present year-round, with peaks in spring and autumn. Of the 1085 tested ticks, 29.0% were positive for at least one pathogen, with A. phagocytophilum being the most common (15.0%). B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 7.0% of ticks, and Babesia spp. in 6.5%, predominantly B. canis.

Conclusions

This study highlights the year-round risk of tick infestations and vector-borne pathogen transmission in dogs and cats in Central Europe, underscoring the need for ongoing tick surveillance. Veterinary practitioners should enhance public awareness about ticks and associated health risks for companion animals.

Graphical abstract