Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis Analysis of Bacteria in Italian Ticks and First Detection of Streptococcus equi in Rhipicephalus bursa from the Lazio Region.

The research article explores the bacterial population present in Italian ticks, with a focus on the first detection of the zoonotic agent Streptococcus equi in a tick species called Rhipicephalus bursa.

Methodology of the Study

• The research was conducted on seven adult ticks collected from different hosts and regions: two dog ticks (Lombardia region), two bovine ticks (Lazio region), and three ticks from humans (Marche region).
• The ticks were analyzed using a method know as Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), a technique used to separate DNA molecules based on length, shape and structural conformation differences.
• Through this method, 16S rDNA amplification was used to profile the bacterial population. This allowed the researchers to detect a wide spectrum of bacteria present in the tick samples.

Key Findings of the Study

• The research led to the important discovery of the presence of Streptococcus equi in a Rhipicephalus bursa tick, which was extracted from a bovine in the Lazio region in 2012.
• Streptococcus equi is a highly infectious pathogen and known zoonotic agent, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Follow-Up Research and Implications

• This initial discovery led to further investigation; 95 Rhipicephalus bursa samples collected from the same area were scrutinized.
• This subsequent research included ticks collected from 3 bovines, 3 ponies, and 1 sheep in 2012, and 6 ponies in 2017.
• The results from the specific PCR assay suggested a non-sporadic occurrence of Streptococcus equi in ticks in the area.
• The findings from this study have significant implications for public health and could form the basis of future research to assess the potential of ticks to harbor and spread Streptococcus equi.