Tick-borne protozoans of the genus Hepatozoon have been associated with infections of domestic and wild animals over the world. The occurrence of these apicomplexan agents in Sardinia has been poorly explored so far. In this study, the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. has been investigated in domestic dogs from nine cities of Sardinia, Italy. Blood samples from each dog were collected and tested molecularly for the presence of Hepatozoon and Babesia/Theileria DNAs. Out of fifty-one dogs, nine were positive for Hepatozoon species based on the molecular detection of the parasite in blood samples. The phylogenetic relationships of strains detected here were also established. The PCR for amplification of the 18S rRNA fragment gene of Babesia/Theileria spp. did not give amplicons in any of the analyzed samples. Our results report the first molecular confirmation of Hepatozoon canis in Sardinian pet dogs and contribute to better understand the presence of these protozoans on the island. This study highlights the importance of recognizing and predicting the risk levels for the canine population, thus increasing the development of specific control measures. Also, since the distribution of hepatozoonosis is closely related to that of the definitive tick host, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, more accurate studies on Rhipicephalus ticks will be needed due to increasing the epidemiological knowledge of Hepatozoon species on the island.

Rapid environmental changes driven by human activities are contributing to a significant decline in global biodiversity, with avian species being particularly affected due to their migratory behavior. As highly mobile hosts, birds facilitate the geographic dispersal of ectoparasites, including ticks, which serve as vectors for numerous zoonotic pathogens. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Faunistic Observatory of the Asinara National Park between 2021 and 2023, aimed to investigate the potential role of migratory birds in tick dispersal and the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA. Birds were captured using mist nets during pre-breeding (April–May) and post-breeding (October–November) migration periods. Ticks were systematically collected and identified at the species level, and molecular analyses were performed using real-time and conventional PCR to detect the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA. Results showed a distinct seasonal variation in tick species composition. In autumn, Ixodes ricinus was predominant (99%), whereas Hyalomma species were more frequently observed in spring (78%). Molecular screening revealed Borrelia spp. DNA in 26.1% of the collected ticks, with Borrelia garinii being the most prevalent species. These findings underscore the ecological significance of migratory birds in the dissemination of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, highlighting their potential role in shaping disease transmission dynamics across different geographic regions. This study provides valuable insights into the seasonal fluctuations in tick populations associated with migratory avifauna and the epidemiological risks posed by these interactions. Continued surveillance of migratory birds as vectors of zoonotic pathogens is essential for informing public health strategies and mitigating the risks of emerging infectious diseases, but further investigation is needed to clarify the actual role of migratory birds in the transmission of Borrelia spp.

Migratory birds play a key role in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens, serving as both hosts for ticks and as potential carriers of a wide range of infectious agents that can affect wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Their long-distance movements contribute to the dispersal of ticks and the pathogens they harbor, with potential implications for the emergence and spread of zoonotic disease. This study focuses on the prevalence of Rickettsia spp. and Babesia/Theileria spp. in ticks collected from migratory birds in Sardinia, Italy, during two consecutive migration seasons (April–May and October–November 2021), corresponding to the spring and autumn migratory periods. A total of 961 ticks, primarily Ixodes ricinus, was collected from various bird species. Molecular analyses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing enabled the detection and identification of multiple Rickettsia species, with R. helvetica, R. monacensis, and R. aeschlimannii being the most frequently identified. Protozoan pathogens, including B. venatorum and Theileria ovis, were also detected in the tick samples. These findings underscore the diversity of pathogens in bird-associated ticks and the role of migratory birds in the geographical spread of these diseases. These results also provide valuable insights into pathogen transmission dynamics and stress the importance of monitoring migratory birds to assess and mitigate the risks of zoonotic diseases. Further research is needed to clarify the ecological interactions among birds, ticks, and pathogens across different geographic regions.

The emergence of new Anaplasma strains in the Mediterranean region poses a challenge for both veterinary medicine and public health, as it can lead to more complex diagnostic and treatment strategies. Species related to Anaplasma platys and A. phagocytophilum, two important tick-borne pathogens, have been reported in several Mediterranean countries. However, the data on their presence in Sardinia remain limited. This study aimed to identify theAnaplasmaspecies genetically related to zoonotic agents, such as A. phagocytophilum or A. platys, in Sardinian horses, cattle, and swine. Using various molecular approaches targeting the groEL and gltA genes, the results confirm the presence of Candidatus (Ca.) Anaplasma turritanum and reveal the emergence of Candidatus (Ca.) Anaplasma cinensis and an A. phagocytophilum-like strain, designated as A. phagocytophilum-like 2, in Sardinian horses and cattle. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance in Sardinia and similar Mediterranean regions, as well as the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic tools and preventive strategies. Given the zoonotic potential of these emerging strains, these findings emphasize the need for greater vigilance in both veterinary and human health sectors to mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne Anaplasma species transmission. Ongoing research and proactive measures are essential to reduce the public health burden and prevent the spread of these pathogens across animal and human populations.

Tick-borne diseases are an increasing concern in Mediterranean livestock systems, where environmental conditions and extensive grazing favour interactions among hosts, vectors, and pathogens. This study investigated the occurrence and diversity of tick-borne pathogens in small ruminants and their associated ticks in Sardinia (Italy), with the aim of characterizing the occurrence and diversity of tick-borne pathogens in small ruminants and their associated ticks in Sardinia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 17 farms in central-eastern Sardinia. Blood samples from 75 animals (57 goats and 18 sheep) and 364 ticks collected from infested hosts were analyzed. Ticks were morphologically identified, and both ticks and blood samples were screened for major bacterial and protozoan pathogens using rt-PCR and conventional PCR assays, followed by sequencing. Among examined hosts, Anaplasma spp. DNA was detected in 28% of goats and 39% of sheep, whereas Theileria ovis was identified in 4% of goats and 78% of sheep. No animals tested positive for Rickettsia spp. or Coxiella spp. Tick analysis revealed a predominance of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus bursa, with several tick-borne microorganisms detected, including Rickettsia spp. (26.6%), Coxiella spp. (22.5%), Anaplasma spp. (17.6%), and piroplasms (11.8%). Most Coxiella-positive ticks carried DNA of the Coxiella-like endosymbiont Candidatus Coxiella mudrowiae, while only one tick was positive for Coxiella burnetii. Sequencing confirmed the presence of zoonotic species such as Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia sibirica/barbarica group, and Rickettsia hoogstraalii. These findings reveal a complex epidemiological scenario characterized by frequent detection of tick-borne microorganisms in ticks but limited detection in hosts. The presence of zoonotic agents highlights potential public health risks and supports the need for integrated surveillance and control strategies in Mediterranean pastoral systems.

Candidatus Anaplasma camelii is a poorly identified Anaplasma species reported in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Although sequences from Ca. A. camelii had previously been detected in Tunisia, they were not accurately identified or taxonomically classified at that time. This study provides the first comprehensive molecular characterization of Ca. A. camelii in Tunisian dromedaries using a combined sequencing approach targeting 16S rRNA, the groEL gene and the gltA gene. Out of 229 dromedaries blood samples analysed 45 (19.7%) tested positive for Anaplasma spp. by 16S rRNA PCR. The presence of Ca. A. camelii was subsequently confirmed by groEL and gltA amplification. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a well-supported monophyletic clade grouping Tunisian isolates with strains previously reported in Egypt and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study expands the known geographic distribution of Ca. A. camelii by introducing novel molecular data, thereby enhancing our understanding of its genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships. Findings highlight the importance of multi-gene molecular surveillance to elucidate the epidemiology of emerging Anaplasma species in Northern Africa.