Maartje Huitink

Ms. Maartje Huitink

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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27 September 2024 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MHMaartje Huitink
Maartje Huitink
MRMyrna M.T. De Rooij
Myrna M.T. De Rooij
Patrizia DanesiPatrizia Danesi
Patrizia Danesi
MSMaria Vittoria Salvati
Maria Vittoria Salvati
FOFederica Obber
Federica Obber
LMLapo Mughini-Gras
Lapo Mughini-Gras
Ixodes ricinus ticks are ubiquitous in Europe, including in North-East Italy. These ticks are important vectors of several zoonotic pathogens of public health relevance. In this study, the habitat suitability range of I. ricinus ticks infected with zoonotic pathogens was predicted in North-East Italy, and relevant spatial predictors were identified. In 2015–2021, ticks were collected at 26 sampling sites in the study area. The collected ticks were screened for the presence of pathogens using PCR assays. For Borrelia, Rickettsia and Anaplasma/Ehrlichia species, data allowed for ecological niche modelling using Maxent. Environmental determinants potentially related to tick habitat suitability were used as model inputs. Predicted suitable habitat distributions revealed hotspots of the probability of pathogen presence in I. ricinus ticks mainly in the central and upper parts of the study area. Key environmental predictors were temperature, rainfall and altitude, and vegetation index for specific pathogens (Rickettsia and Anaplasma/Ehrlichia species). Increased risk of exposure to tick-borne pathogens upon tick bites in the predicted hotspot areas can, therefore, be expected. This provides useful information for public health risk managers in this and other similar regions.