Prevalence of <i>Rickettsia</i> spp. in <i>Dermacentor marginatus</i> Ticks Removed from Game Pigs (<i>Sus scrofa</i>) in Southern France

Abstract

During the months of October and November 2000 a total of 70 Dermacentor marginatus ticks were removed from different game pigs Sus scrofa in southern France and investigated by PCR using primers derived from the citrate synthase (gltA) and the outer membrane protein (OmpB) genes of rickettsiae. Based on sequence analysis of 1,150 bp fragment of gltA, Rickettsia slovaca was identified in 11 ticks (15.7%). These results confirm that Rickettsia slovaca, an emerging pathogen is highly prevalent in Dermacentor marginatus ticks in France. Moreover, a new Rickettsia genotype was detected in one specimen (1.4%). The pathogenic role of this new rickettsia has yet to be demonstrated.