Neoehrlichia mikurensis: an emerging pathogen in Southeastern Poland - prevalence in Ixodes ricinus ticks and phylogenetic characterization.

INTRODUCTION

Neoehrlichia mikurensis is an emerging pathogen increasingly detected in ticks, animals, and humans. The study aimed to investigate the presence and phylogenetic diversity of Ixodes ricinus ticks in the Subcarpathian Region.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Of the 412 ticks collected from forest and meadow habitats, 240 specimens underwent molecular analysis for presence of N. mikurensis using microfluidic real-time PCR. Selected amplicons were sequenced to preform phylogenetic analysis of the groEL gene.

RESULTS

N. mikurensis infection was confirmed in 6.35% of female and 2.38% of male ticks, with no significant differences in the prevalence between habitats. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a low genetic diversity N. mikurensis.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings confirm the infection of I. ricinus ticks with N. mikurensis in the studied region. The studied N. mikurensis groEL gene sequences showed low genetic variation, identical to other populations in Poland and Europe.