Molecular Survey on the Occurrence of Tick-Borne Bacteria in Wild Birds from Central Italy.

Birds are known to be carriers of ticks infected by tick-borne pathogens, including bacteria. However, not many studies have been carried out on avian tissues to detect these agents. The aim of the present survey was to investigate, using PCR, the presence of , spp., sensu lato, , , , , and spp. in the spleens collected from 300 wild birds of different orders and species from Central Italy. A total of 53 (17.67%) samples were PCR positive for at least one investigated pathogen. One (0.33%) bird was positive for spp., five (1.67%) birds were positive for , eleven (3.67%) for s.l., and thirty-six (12%) for No coinfection was detected. All samples were negative for , , , and spp. The findings showed that wild birds may harbor different zoonotic tick-borne bacteria; therefore, they can contribute to the diffusion of these agents.