Detection of tick-borne 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Spain in 2013.
BACKGROUND
'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' is a tick-borne bacteria implicated in human health. To date, 'Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis' has been described in different countries from Africa, Asia and Europe, but never in Spain. However, according to the epidemiological features of the main vector in Europe, Ixodes ricinus, its circulation in our country was suspected.


METHODS
A total of 200 I. ricinus ticks collected in the North of Spain were analyzed. DNAs were extracted and used as templates for PCRs targeting fragment genes for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia detection. The amplified products were sequenced and analyzed.


RESULTS
'Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis' was amplified in two specimens. Furthermore, Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 61 samples analyzed.


CONCLUSIONS
The detection of 'Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis' in I. ricinus ticks from Spain indicates its circulation and the potential risk of contracting a human infection in this country.
Ana M
AM
Palomar
Lara
L
García-Álvarez
Sonia
S
Santibáñez
Aránzazu
A
Portillo
Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Center of Rickettsioses and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, C/ Piqueras, N° 98, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain. jaoteo@riojasalud.es.
José A
JA
Oteo
D041081:Anaplasma phagocytophilum / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000710:Anaplasmataceae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013987:Ticks / Q000382:microbiology*
D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S