NATURAL FOCI OF LYME-BORRELIOSIS IN LVIV REGION: RESULTS OF ACAROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AND LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS

Abstract

A spectrum of the main carriers of Lyme-borreliosis pathogens was determined, their activity and epidemic significance were studied in natural areas of Lviv region. Taking into account that the situation with tick-borne infections depends on the dynamics of the number of ticks, carrying out acarological monitoring allows to detect changes in the state of natural foci in a timely manner. The territory of Lviv region is characterized by a substitution in certain biotopes of Ixodes ricinus populations on Dermacentor reticu­latus – a species more tolerant to changing environmental conditions, and in general – displacement of the boundaries of these two species. A direct correlation between the average strength and the number of I. ricinus ticks was established. That confirmed a position that in the natural foci of borreliosis the main role in circulation of pathogens is still played by this species. The average infection rate of Ixodide by the pathogen in Lviv region during the 2012–2014 season is fully consistent with the indicators for the active natural foci of this infection. Preliminary data were obtained on the inclusion of D. marginatus in a circulation circle of mites, until recently, their involvement in the transmission of Lyme-borreliosis agents was unknown. A study of distribution and ecological characteristics of I. ricinus, D. reticulatus, D. marginatus in natural and anthropogenic cenosis is necessary both for predicting possible formation of natural foci and for improving a strategy and tactics of the anti-acaricidal measures.