Detection of tick-borne 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Spain in 2013

Background: 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' is a tick-borne bacteria implicated in human health. To date, 'Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis' has been described in different countries from Africa, Asia and Europe, but never in Spain. However, according to the epidemiological features of the main vector in Europe, Ixodes ricinus, its circulation in our country was suspected. Methods. A total of 200 I. ricinus ticks collected in the North of Spain were analyzed. DNAs were extracted and used as templates for PCRs targeting fragment genes for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia detection. The amplified products were sequenced and analyzed. Results: 'Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis' was amplified in two specimens. Furthermore, Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 61 samples analyzed. Conclusions: The detection of 'Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis' in I. ricinus ticks from Spain indicates its circulation and the potential risk of contracting a human infection in this country. © 2014 Palomar et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd