Detection of pathogenic microorganisms in ticks collected from wild boars (Sus scrofa) in a recreational park in Portugal

Guerreiro-Nunes, Andreia; Sousa, Rita de; Núncio, Maria Sofia; Norte, Ana Cláudia; Lopes de Carvalho, Isabel

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/10388

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Authors

Guerreiro-Nunes, Andreia

Sousa, Rita de

Núncio, Maria Sofia

Norte, Ana Cláudia

Lopes de Carvalho, Isabel

Abstract(s)

[Extract] The Tapada Nacional de Mafra is a Portuguese hunting ground located in the Lisbon district, regularly visited by the public for tourism, environmental education and hunting activities. Its forest consists of an enormous plant diversity with almost 100 plants identified, and with the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), the stone pine (Pinus pinea), and the cork oak (Quercus suber) being especially abundant (Norte et al. 2012). Furthermore, mammal species such as the wild boar (Sus scrofa, are frequently sighted in close proximity to human trails. These animals are important reproduction hosts for ticks and may play a role in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Ticks are vectors of several infectious agents, and consequently, their parasitic relationship with humans can cause various diseases of public health importance. The identification of those pathogens in circulation in different geographic areas contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiology of tick-related diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis, relapsing fever (RF), rickettsioses and tularemia. [...]