Babesia spp. and other pathogens in ticks recovered from domestic dogs in Denmark

Commentary: Babesiosis is a parasitic tick-borne co-infection contributing to chronic persistent illness in patients with Lyme disease. It has been found throughout the US, as well as in Europe and China. A recent study published in Parasites and Vectors, studied Ixodes ricinus ticks in Danish domestic dogs to determine whether humans in Denmark are exposed to Babesiosis. “A total of 661 ticks (Ixodes spp.) were collected from 345 Danish domestic dogs during April-September 2011 and pooled, one sample per dog. DNA was extracted from each sample and examined by PCR and sequencing for Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Bartonella spp., Francisella tularensis, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, and Babesia spp. In total, 34% of the samples were positive for tick-borne microorganisms potentially pathogenic to humans: Rickettsia spp. were detected in 16% of the pools, with 79% being R. helvetica. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was found in 15%, with the main species identified as Borrelia afzelii (39%). Likewise, 8% of the samples were positive for Babesia spp. (Babesia microti, 82%; Babesia venatorum (‘EU1’), 18%). Lastly, 1% of the samples tested positive for Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, and 0.6% for Bartonella spp. No ticks were found to be infected with Francisella tularensis”. The conclusion of the article is that Babesia is present in Denmark, and “confirms I. ricinus as a vector of multiple pathogens of public health concern”. A similar study was done by the Vermont Department of Health several years ago, when they found that 16 % of the dogs in Vermont had been exposed to the malaria like parasite. Babesiosis is spreading worldwide and is a major health concern. Regular vector-based surveillance of dogs and ticks is essential in order to determine the rising incidence of Lyme and associated co-infections.

Babesia spp. and other pathogens in ticks recovered from domestic dogs in Denmark, Parasites & Vectors