The potential risk of human exposure to tick borne infection by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti in selected recreational areas of the Poprad Landscape Park in southern Poland

Introduction and objective:
Ticks (Acari:Ixodida) are dangerous ectoparasites and, at the same time, vectors and/or resevoirs of many pathogens, among others Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti. These ethiological agents of Lyme borreliosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis are transferred to humans mainly by ticks during feeding. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential risk of human exposure to tick borne infection of B. burgdorferi s.l., A. phagocytophilum and B. microti in selected areas of Poprad Landscape Park in southern Poland [PLP].

Material and methods:
Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected from vegetation by the flagging method. Under a stereoscopic microscope, specimens were determined to the species and developmental stage. In total, DNA was isolated from 363 ticks. To detect B. burgdorferi s.l,.two pairs of primers specific to the flagelline gene were used. In turn, to detect A. phagocytophilum and B. microti, two pairs of primers specific to the 16S rRNA gene fragment and 18S rRNA gene fragment were used, respectively. The amplification products were separated electrophoretically in 2% ethidium bromide stained agarose gels, and visualized under ultra violet light.

Results:
Generally, pathogens were observed in 19.6% of ticks. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was detected in 11.8% of studied ticks. In turn, A. phagocytophlium and B. microti were presented, respectively, in 0.3% and 7.4% of examined I. ricinus.

Conclusions:
The study indicated a potentially high risk of human exposure to infection with tick-borne pathogens, mainly B. burgdorferi s.l. and B. microti, in the areas of PLP. In turn, the presence of A. phagocytophilum in lower percentage was shown in the studied ticks.