Publications by authors named "Slavka Purgatova"
The role of wildlife in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in Slovakia.
Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis
June 2024
Article Synopsis
- Tick-borne diseases (TBD) are a significant concern for both human and animal health, particularly in Slovakia, where studies have mainly investigated small mammals as reservoirs for these pathogens.
- Wild animals like ungulates, hedgehogs, and carnivores not only host ticks but also help monitor the presence of tick-borne pathogens (TBP) in the environment, especially as they expand into urban and suburban areas.
- High infection rates of TBP have been found in certain wildlife populations, contributing to our understanding of how these animals act as carriers and reservoirs, which can aid in managing and reducing the risk of TBD.
Article Synopsis
- - A study conducted in southwestern Slovakia (Levice, Bratislava, Stupava, and Vrbovce) during 2021-2022 collected 512 ticks from 51 wild mammals across six species.
- - The research identified eight different tick species, with notable findings from northern white-breasted hedgehogs, red foxes, and European badgers using both morphological and molecular techniques.
- - The study confirmed the first detection of a specific tick species in Slovakia, with molecular analyses showing that the Slovakian isolate is identical to those found in several other European countries like Romania, Poland, and Germany.