Altitudinal Distribution, Seasonal Dynamics and Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Infections in Hard Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Different Forest Communities in Inland Croatia

Altitudinal distributions, population structures and seasonal dynamics of tick fauna at three localities in Continental Croatia (Medvednica Papuk) an alpine biogeographic region (Gorski Kotar) were studied. Sampling questing ticks was performed twice a year (spring autumn, from 2019 to 2021) different altitudes (200, 400, 600, 800 1000 m above sea level) using the flagging method. In total, 2942 (53.9% larvae, 40.1% nymphs, 6.0% adults) sampled 2937 (99.83%) determined as Ixodes ricinus, 4 (0.14%) Haemaphysalis concinna 1 (0.03%) frontalis. ricinus only species found all sampling sites. The highest abundance recorded higher (800–1000 asl.) on Medvednica Gorski Kotar within mixed forests European beech silver fir, while Papuk most lower (200 Sessile oak forest. From 27 pools containing 305 ticks, (3.7%) positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection. s.l. detected 20% (1/5) nymphs adults collected (600 asl.). Sequencing ospA gene phylogenetic analysis revealed presence stricto genotype.