New Rickettsiae in Ticks Collected in Territories of the Former Soviet Union
Author Information
Author(s): Elena Rydkina, Veronique Roux, Natalia Fetisova, Nikolai Rudakov, Mouniver Gafarova, Irina Tarasevich, Didier Raoult
Primary Institution: Faculte de Medecine, Universite de la Mediterranee, Marseille, France
Hypothesis
The study aims to identify Rickettsiae in naturally infected ixodid ticks in regions of Russia endemic for tickborne rickettsioses.
Conclusion
The study identified three new Rickettsiae of the R. massiliae genogroup in ticks from various regions of Russia.
Supporting Evidence
- Rhipicephalus pumilio ticks were found to be infected with the Astrakhan fever agent.
- Dermacentor nuttallii ticks were found to be infected with Rickettsia sibirica.
- Rh. sanguineus ticks from Crimea were found to contain R. conorii DNA.
- Three new Rickettsiae were identified through genetic sequencing.
- The study confirms high epidemic activity of the Altay focus for North Asian tick typhus.
Takeaway
Scientists found new types of germs in ticks that can make people sick, showing that these ticks are more dangerous than we thought.
Methodology
Ticks were collected from dogs, DNA was extracted, and Rickettsial DNA was detected using PCR and sequencing.
Limitations
The pathogenicity of the new rickettsial genotypes has yet to be investigated.
Participant Demographics
Ticks were collected from dogs in various regions of Russia.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website