Survey of tick distribution and tick-borne pathogens in hilly scenic spots of Suzhou, China

ObjectiveTo investigate the geographical distribution of ticks in the hilly mountain areas of Suzhou, and the infection rate of tick borne pathogens in order to assess and warn the risk of the spread of ticks in these areas.

MethodsThe free ranging ticks and parasite ticks were collected by artificial cloth flagging and animal surface collection. By means of PCR method were detected Babesia parasites, spotted fever group Rickettsiae, Borrelia burgdorferi, tick-borne encephalitis and SFTSV(bunyavirus) nucleic acid in the ticks, respectively.

ResultsA total of 148 ticks were collected, consisting of 1 family, 3 genera and 4 species, including 47.3% Haemaphysalis longicornis, 49.3% Haemaphysalis sinensis, 2.0% Rhipicephalus sanguineus and 1.4% Boophilus microplus, separately.The results were negative in DNA or RNA detection of Babesia parasites, Borrelia burgdorferi, tick-borne encephalitis and SFTSV in the specimens of ticks by PCR, but the spotted fever group Rickettsiae was positive and the minimum infection rate was 2.8%.

ConclusionThe tick vectors are widely distributed in hilly scenic areas of Suzhou, and the Haemaphysalis longicornis and Haemaphysalis sinensis compose the predominant tick species which are infected with spotted fever group Rickettsiae, so it is imperative to strengthen research and supervisory control of spotted fever group Rickettsiae.