Ticks are different

The tick Ixodes ricinus, primarily associated with deciduous and mixed forests, is the main competent vector for a number of emerging zoonotic pathogens in Europe. In recent decades, this species has expanded both its latitudinal and altitudinal range, prolonged its seasonal activity and invaded new habitat. These changes are correlated with changes in the epidemiology of several tick-borne transmitted diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis and tick borne encephalitis. Furthermore, a number of tick borne pathogens are now receiving increasing attention from public health authorities, such as bacteria of the order Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis', Rickettsia helvetica) and protozoans (Babesia divergens, B. venatorum and B. microti) which have also been detected in urban tick populations. Here we illustrate new insights into our understanding on how Ixodes ricinus ecology and its interactions with hosts affects tick borne diseases in the European anthropomes today. These results are crucial for quantifying the parameters needed for risk pre-assessment and the identification of public health strategies for preventing and controlling tick-borne diseases.