First Detection of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in<i>Ixodes ricinus</i>from Italy

Abstract

Ixodes ricinus from Italy were examined for the first time to detect whether rickettsiae were present. Using molecular methods, we detected three different spotted fever group rickettsiae, including Rickettsia helvetica. Our results raise the possibility that bacteria other than R. conorii are involved in rickettsial diseases in Italy.