{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Molecular detection of Colpodella sp. and other tick-borne pathogens in ticks of ruminants, Italy.
{Author}: Jimale KA;Bezerra-Santos MA;Mendoza-Roldan JA;Latrofa MS;Baneth G;Otranto D;
{Journal}: Acta Trop
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jun 27
{Factor}: 3.222
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107306
{Abstract}: Colpodella species are close relatives of Apicomplexan protozoa. Although most species of this genus are free-living organisms that feed on other protists and algae, reports indicate their occurence in ticks and human patients, including an individual with a history of tick bite manifesting neurological symptoms. During an investigation of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in blood samples of cattle, goats, and in ticks collected on them, Colpodella sp. DNA was detected in a Rhipicephalus bursa tick collected from cattle, while of Theileria sergenti/buffeli/orientalis, Babesia bigemina, Sarcocystis cruzi, Babesia spp., and Rickettsia spp. were molecularly detected in cattle, goats, and ticks in southern Italy. Data herein reported highlight the unprecedented presence of Colpodella sp. in ticks in Italy, raising concern due to the potential pathogenic role of this less known protozoan. This finding advocates for performing routine epidemiological surveys to monitor potential emerging vector-borne pathogens.