Hyalomma ticks have appeared in Poland. Four specimens analysed as part of the National Ticking (Narodowe kleszczobranie) project contain the bacterium Rickettsia aeschlimannii, which belongs to the group of pathogenic microorganisms causing rickettsiosis in humans, a type of spotted fever. The tick research project is being conducted by scientists from the UW’s Faculty of Biology, who are encouraging people to send in specimens.

Every year in spring, thousands of Hyalomma larvae and nymphs arrive in Europe, including Poland, along with migratory birds from Africa. En route or upon reaching the continent, the ticks usually perished due to low temperatures and humidity. However, warm and dry springs mean that the ticks survive the journey to Europe.

Scientists from the UW’s Faculty of Biology are analysing the arachnids as part of the National Ticking (Narodowe kleszczobranie) project. The initiative began in the spring of 2024. It is a citizen science study being carried out at the Department of Eco-epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases at the UW’s Faculty of Biology, under the supervision of Prof. Anna Bajer.

As part of the project, researchers from the UW are working to estimate the population of Hyalomma ticks in Poland. The National Ticking (Narodowe kleszczobranie) enables the public to share observations of unusual ticks with scientists, send them in for analysis, and map new locations. This is the first project of its kind in Poland. Anyone interested can send in ticks.

A new pathogen

After two seasons, Hyalomma ticks have been observed in various regions of the country, such as Silesia and Greater Poland. Pathogenic exotic bacteria were detected in all Hyalomma ticks submitted by participants in the National Ticking (Narodowe kleszczobranie) project.

Test results for the ticks sent to the laboratory showed that the specimens contained R. aeschlimannii bacteria, which belong to the group of pathogenic microorganisms causing rickettsiosis in humans, a type of spotted fever. Infection may manifest as high fever, severe weakness, muscle pain and a characteristic skin lesion at the bite site.

This species of bacterium is closely associated with ticks of the genus Hyalomma. It is a new pathogen, recorded for the first time in Poland.