Speaker
Description
Tick-borne pathogens pose risks to both human and animal health across the globe. These risks are worsening due to climate-related shifts in tick distribution and activity, yet local field data remain limited. This study investigated how temperature and relative humidity influence tick questing and pathogen prevalence in rural northern Germany. Ticks were collected biweekly from February to May 2025 in Putzar by flagging while recording climate data. Molecular screening used conventional PCR for Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp. nested PCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia spp., followed by sequencing. Spearman correlation and negative binomial regression assessed the environmental effect on tick abundance. Of 85 ticks collected, Dermacentor reticulatus dominated (71.76 %). Peak questing occurred in March for D. reticulatus and April for Ixodes ricinus. Air temperature and humidity positively influenced questing activity, while ground temperature had a negative effect. All samples were negative for Babesia spp. and A. phagocytophilum. Rickettsia spp. was detected in 68.85% of D. reticulatus and Borrelia spp. in 60% of I. ricinus. Coinfection was observed in 5.12 %. Microclimate was the primary driver of tick questing in Putzar. High prevalence of Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. poses a considerable threat to public and veterinary health. These findings support continued tick surveillance and awareness in northern Germany.
Keywords
Ticks, Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Tick borne Pathogens, Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Microclimate, Zoonosis
| Registration ID | OHS26-107 |
|---|---|
| Professional Status of the Speaker | Graduate Student |
| Junior Scientist Status | Yes, I am a Junior Scientist. |
Author
Co-author
External references
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