Spotted fever group rickettsiae transmitted by Dermacentor ticks and determinants of their spread in Europe

Abstract

Rickettsiae from the spotted fever group, i.e. the etiological agents of tick-borne lymphadenopathy/ Dermacentor -borne necrotic erythema and lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA /DEBONEL) syndrome, are associated with ticks, including Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus. The expansion of these ticks into new areas increases the risk of infection of their hosts with tick-borne pathogens. The study summarises the importance of 2 species from the genus Dermacento r, i.e. D. marginatus and D. reticulatus , in the spread of spotted fever group rickettsiae in various regions of Europe. The study also focuses on the determinants of the presence of vectors and transmission of rickettsiae, as well as the effects of human infections with these pathogens. The climate changes observed nowadays affect vectors and increase the incidence and spread of tick-borne diseases worldwide. Due to the existing risk of exposure to an increasing number of people, knowledge about the course of these serious diseases and their etiological factors should be disseminated among healthcare professionals as well as in society. There is a great challenge for epidemiological services to provide access to medical and veterinary facilities in order to diagnose and treat rickettsioses. Therefore, the development of a strategy for tick control and the popularisation of knowledge concerning prophylaxis of tick-borne diseases is indispensable.

Keywords

• tick-borne diseases
• dermacentor reticulatus
• spotted fever group rickettsiae
• rickettsia
• tibola/debonel
• dermacentor marginatus