{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: A seven-legged tick - anomalous Ixodes ricinus female (Acari: Ixodidae) from Poland.
{Author}: Koczwarska J;Nowakowska J;Polaczyk J;Welc-Falęciak R;
{Journal}: Ann Agric Environ Med
{Volume}: 31
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: 2024 Jun 27
{Factor}: 1.603
{DOI}: 10.26444/aaem/172533
{Abstract}: Morphological anomalies are considered a rare phenomenon among natural tick populations. New cases of abnormalities in ticks are being described, such as body assymetries, nanism, gynandromorphism and limb malformations. The tick removed from a cat was morphologically identified to species and developmental stage. The time of feeding on the host was determined. The specimen was tested using PCR and Real-Time PCR methods for the presence of the common tick-borne pathogens: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp, Borrelia spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Rickettsia spp. For visualisation of the anomalous structures, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. The tick was identified as a slightly engorged adult female of I. ricinus exhibiting ectromely of leg I on the left side of the idiosoma. The specimen was tested positive for two medically important pathogens: A. phagocytophilum and N. mikurensis. The case report describes a rare case of a morphological anomaly in an I. ricinus tick from Poland.