DISTRIBUTION OF IXODES RICINUS AS A VECTOR OF TICK-BORNE BORRELIOSIS PATHOGENS IN THE KURSK REGION

Abstract

The article discusses some characteristics of the ecology of the tick Ixodes ricinus, which is often found in the central part of Eastern Europe and in many regions of the Russian Federation including the Kursk Region. Some circulation patterns of tick-borne borreliosis in natural foci of the Kursk Region and cases of infected humans are shown. The main material was the data from the state reports of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human WellBeing for 2015–2021. A comparative analysis was conducted of the number of cases infected with ixodid tick-borne borreliosis (ITBB) with the I. ricinus infection rate in natural foci in the Kursk Region from 2015 to 2021. The ITBB circulation is widespread throughout the Kursk Region. According to our observations, the peaks of infection of humans with ITBB may depend on the circulation characteristics of Borrelia among I. ricinus and their feeders. In the results of the study, it can be noted that the I. ricinus population has a temporary downward trend, while the percentage of infected ticks fluctuates slightly and has a cyclic nature. The number of cases of people presenting tick bites is interrelated with the population density and the nature of ixodid ticks spreading in the Kursk Region.