Emerging Infectious Diseases

Zoonotic Transmission of Pathogens by Ixodes ricinus Ticks, Romania

For the first time, DNA from human pathogenic R. helvetica (7.5%), R. monacensis (6.1%), A. phagocytophilum (1.4%), E. muris (0.7%), F. tularensis (2.7%) and Babesia sp.EU1 (0.7%) has been detected in Romania. The tick Ixodes ricinus is one of the most important vectors of a large variety of pathogens of veterinary and medical importance in Europe (1). The most prevalent I. ricinus-borne infection in humans in Europe is Lyme borreliosis, a multisystemic disorder caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (2) .

Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks, Germany

To explore increased risk for human Rickettsia spp. infection in Germany, we investigated recreational areas and renatured brown coal surface-mining sites (also used for recreation) for the presence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks. R. raoultii (56.7%), R. slovaca (13.3%), and R. helvetica (>13.4%) were detected in the respective tick species.

Seroconversion in Wild Birds and Local Circulation of West Nile Virus, Spain

A serosurvey for neutralizing antibodies against West Nile virus (WNV) in common coots (Fulica atra) was conducted in Doñana, Spain. Antibody prevalence was highest in 2003, intermediate in 2004, and lowest in 2005. Some birds seroreverted <1 year after first capture. Seroconversion of birds suggests local circulation of the virus.

Increasing Incidence of Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis on Crete, Greece

To determine whether the incidence of canine leishmaniasis has increased on Crete, Greece, we fitted infection models to serodiagnostic records of 8,848 dog samples for 1990–2006. Models predicted that seroprevalence has increased 2.4% (95% confidence interval 1.61%–3.51%) per year and that incidence has increased 2.2- to 3.8-fold over this 17-year period.

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