First record of Rickettsia vini in Ixodes lividus ticks from sand martin (Riparia Riparia) nests in Lithuania

Abstract

Ixodes lividus (Koch, 1844) ticks are specific parasites of the sand martin Riparia riparia (L.). The distribution range of I. lividus covers Europe and Asia, and it can be found wherever there are sand martin nests. However, until now there have been no reports on the presence of this tick in Lithuania. A total of 47 nests were collected in 3 different colonies of sand martin in the central part of Lithuania. In total, 2,770 ticks were found and identified as I. lividus based on morphological characteristics. The taxonomic identification of I. lividus was confirmed by sequence analysis of the tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences indicates four genotypes of I. lividus transported by sand martin in the Baltic region. All ticks were examined for the presence of rickettsial pathogens using PCR amplification of partial gltA and 17kDa antigen genes of Rickettsia spp. followed by DNA sequencing of positive samples for species identification. Rickettsia pathogens were detected in 90.6% of pooled larvae samples and in all of examined 7 nymphs, 4 females and in one male specimen. Sequence analysis of partial gltA and 17kDa antigen genes showed 100% identity with the corresponding Rickettsia vini sequences obtained in Gen Bank. This study represents the first record of I. lividus from sand martin nests in Lithuania. The presence of R. vini is reported for the first time in Lithuania.