Sympatric Ixodes-tick species: pattern of distribution and pathogen transmission within wild rodent populations

AbstractThe generalist tick Ixodes ricinus is the most important vector for tick-borne pathogens (TBP), including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, in Europe. However, the involvement of other sympatric Ixodes ticks, such as the specialist vole tick I. trianguliceps, in the enzootic circulations of TBP remains unclear. We studied the distribution of I. ricinus and I. trianguliceps in Central Finland and estimated the TBP infection likelihood in the most common rodent host in relation with the abundance of the two tick species. Ixodes trianguliceps was encountered in all 16 study sites whereas I. ricinus was frequently observed only at a quarter of the study sites. The abundance of I. ricinus…

Seasonality of Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes trianguliceps tick on the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) and on vegetation in Central Finland

Temporal dynamics of the tick Ixodes ricinus in northern Europe : epidemiological implications

Background Tick-borne pathogens pose an increasing threat to human and veterinary health across the northern hemisphere. While the seasonal activity of ticks is largely determined by climatic conditions, host-population dynamics are also likely to affect tick abundance. Consequently, abundance fluctuations of rodents in northern Europe are expected to be translated into tick dynamics, and can hence potentially affect the circulation of tick-borne pathogens. We quantified and explained the temporal dynamics of the tick Ixodes ricinus in the northernmost part of its European geographical range, by estimating (i) abundance in vegetation and (ii) infestation load in the most common rodent speci…

Additional file 1: Figure S1. of Temporal dynamics of the tick Ixodes ricinus in northern Europe: epidemiological implications

Average monthly saturation deficit and temperature during the monitoring years. Figure S2. Observed mean abundance of ticks in vegetation per session, from May 2012 to October 2015. Figure S3. Mean number of vole captured per trap-night at each session and in each site, from May 2012 to October 2015. Table S1. Selection table for models explaining the abundance of ticks questing in the vegetation. Figure S4. Predicted number of larvae, nymphs and pooled nymphs and females per 100Â m2 of vegetation explained by bank vole abundance. Table S2. Selection table for models explaining the abundance of ticks questing in the vegetation. Table S3. Total number of ticks (per species and stage) collect…

Research data of article: "Sympatric Ixodes-tick species: pattern of distribution and pathogen transmission within wild rodent populations"

Longitudinal monitoring of bank voles as well as their ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Central Finland, carried out in 2012.