2024-02-22 16:11:37
The tick Ixodes ricinus East one of the main vectors of pathogens in France. It is likely to transmit the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease and the tick-borne encephalitis virus. As part of the national plan to combat Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases, ANSES funded a study whose objective was to produce the first synthesis of research work carried out in France since the first work carried out in the 1960s on the tick Ixodes ricinus. This study, which takes into account the results of 187 scientific publications, was carried out by the National Veterinary School of Alfort.
Data varies depending on the departments
This work made it possible to map the distribution of this tick in France and to draw up a list of the numerous pathogens that it can carry. It also identified a certain amount of missing knowledge. « Mapping the presence of ticks in France shows that tick collections are mainly made in areas close to the research teams working on the subject. No study has been carried out on the presence of ticks in certain departments, notably in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur or in Centre-Val de Loire. », notes Johanna Fite, “Vectors” project manager within the Anses Risk Assessment unit relating to the well-being, health and nutrition of animals and vectors.
This observation is also valid for certain pathogens: “ For example, the presence of the tick-borne encephalitis virus in nymphs and adult ticks was only sought in four departments in the North-East of Francethe geographical area where it is historically present. », explains Elsa Quillery, scientific expertise coordinator within the same unit. However, transmissions of this pathogen to humans have occurred in other departments, which indicates that its geographical presence is more widespread.
Issues more studied than others
Furthermore, the scientific literature targets certain subjects more: among the pathogens that can be transmitted by ticks, Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease is the most studied. Studies on animal hostsIxodes ricinus are interested mainly rodents and wild ungulatessuch as deer, and less to other animal species, such as hares or reptiles, which can also be bitten by ticks and which, depending on the context, can play a role in the epidemiology of diseases.
THE environmental effects on larvae according to geographic areas, such as those with a Mediterranean or mountain climate, are also less studied. However, this knowledge is necessary to better define the factors essential to the development of the species and to predict the risks linked to ticks, particularly in the context of climate change.
Thus, this study shows that even if much research has been carried out on ticks in France, gaps remain to be filled. “ There are biases and limits in our knowledge, each laboratory or research project has its method of collection and analysis, which prevents comparison of results. Establishment of a national surveillance program would reduce these disparities in order to optimize the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases », concludes Elsa Quillery.
Learn more
Perez, Grégoire; Bournez, Laure; Boulanger, Nathalie; Fite, Johanna; Livoreil, Barbara; McCoy, Karen D.; Quillery, Elsa; René-Martellet, Magalie; Bonnet, Sarah I. The distribution, phenology, host range and pathogen prevalence of Ixodes ricinus in France: a systematic map and narrative review. Peer Community Journal, Volume 3 (2023), article no. e81. doi : 10.24072/pcjournal.291
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