Ixodidae Tick-Borne Infections Prevalence in the Vladimir Region

The aim of the study was to investigate the features of prevalence of vector-borne infection pathogens transmitted by Ixodidae ticks in the Vladimir Region. Materials and methods. The analysis of the data on the incidence of tick-borne borreliosis for 2005–2022 and the number of people who sought medical help because of tick bites in 2013–2022 has been carried out. The results of laboratory studies of Ixodidae ticks collected by a medical entomologist in various administrative districts of the Vladimir Region or removed after biting humans and animals and delivered to the laboratory of natural-focal and particularly dangerous infections of the Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Vladimir Region are presented. A total of 7417 ticks were examined. Of these, 6389 were tested using ELISA (for TBE) and 1028 using PCR (for four infections). Results and discussion. The fauna of Ixodidae ticks in the region is represented by three species: Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulсatus, Dermacentor reticulatus. It has been established that the following tick-borne infections foci function in the Vladimir Region: Ixodidae tick-borne borreliosis, viral tick-borne encephalitis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis and human monocytic ehrlichiosis. Vectors of mix infections have been found. This circumstance necessitates the diagnosis of all pathogens identified in endemic territories. Among tick-borne infections in the region, only tick-borne borreliosis is registered in the population. Due to the uneven distribution of tick-borne infection foci, a modern safety provision strategy must take into account the specifics of the epidemic situation, including at the regional level. Differentiating between regions by tick-borne infection incidence allows for a more specific strategy, tactics, and scope of preventive measures.

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