Detection of Rickettsia raoultii in Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis inermis ticks in Slovakia

Abstract Ticks are vector arthropods responsible for the transmission of several pathogenic agents that affect both human and animal health worldwide. In this study our objective was to analyse, using molecular tools, bacterial community Dermacentor reticulatus Haemaphysalis inermis ticks collected in south-eastern Slovakia. Using real-time PCR, we identified presence Rickettsia spp. DNA at levels 14/59 (23.72 %) 29/173 (16.76 D. H. , respectively. addition, standard PCR sequencing, raoultii 13 belonging two investigated species. blast results revealed an average identification percentage 99.62 %. Following there is a possibility play potential role R. . To prove validity hypothesis, suggest performing experimental models future studies. Our can serve as preliminary data models.