Synthetic insecticides may pose significant environmental and health risks, thereby driving the demand for effective, biodegradable alternatives. This study reports the development and validation of a multifunctional biopesticide with a potentially reduced environmental footprint, based on an oil-in-water emulsion of essential oils encapsulated within a carboxymethylcellulose biopolymer matrix. The formulation was comprehensively evaluated for its bioactivity against the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and the meadow tick (Dermacentor reticulatus), its phytotoxicity on non-target model plants (Nicotiana tabacum and Brassica napus), and its mechanism of action via in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The emulsion demonstrated dual-action efficacy, achieving 100% mortality against aphids within 24 h. Furthermore, it exhibited potent and long-lasting repellency against ticks, with statistical modeling confirming that its high efficacy was sustained throughout the 240-minute test period. Phytotoxicity assessments revealed no phytotoxic effects on mature leaves of Nicotiana tabacum and Brassica napus, while germination and seedling growth tests indicated moderate, concentration-dependent inhibitory effects. Molecular docking studies suggested plausible binding interactions of key terpenoids (linalool, alpha-pinene) with neurological targets in both pests, including acetylcholinesterase and the octopamine receptor, as hypothetical mechanistic bases for the observed bioactivity. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the linalool-OBP3, linalool-AChE2, and alpha-pinene-octopamine receptor complexes, while the alpha-pinene-histamine-binding protein complex showed progressive ligand displacement, indicating a less stable interaction. This work presents a successful strategy for creating an effective dual-action biopesticide with a favorable predicted safety profile, and highlights the carboxymethylcellulose matrix as a critical technological component that mitigates the inherent phytotoxicity of essential oils while preserving their pest-control activity. These findings represent a contribution to the development of sustainable integrated pest management tools.

The role of Demodex mites in the pathogenesis of skin diseases still needs updating. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between Demodex sp. infestation and ocular and skin lesions in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PsO). The control group comprised subjects that had not been diagnosed with any inflammatory skin disease. Direct microscopic examination (DME) was applied to analyze eyelashes and skin scraping samples. Demodex mites were detected more often in the eyelash samples than in the skin in both the AD (16.7% vs. 6.7%) and PsO (18.5% vs. 7.4%) patients as well as in the control group (25.8% vs. 3%). The mean intensity of Demodex infestation was 4.25 in the AD patients, 3.4 in the PsO patients, and 2.8 in the control group. Emollients were used in the treatment by 76.7% of the AD patients and 64.8% of patients with PsO; however, this type of skin care did not significantly increase the risk of skin colonization by Demodex. AD and PsO do not seem to facilitate excessive Demodex sp. proliferation. Nevertheless, diagnosis of the presence of these mites should be considered in patients with facial skin and ocular lesions that do not respond to the treatment.

Background: Climate warming and anthropogenic environmental changes impact the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). This study investigated the occurrence of ticks and the risk of TBPs infection in urban and rural recreational areas in Eastern Poland at record-high temperatures in winter. Methods: Ticks were collected from vegetation using the flagging method. Various types of polymerase chain reactions were applied to detect Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp. in the studied ticks. Results: 268 ticks were sampled in the four urban/suburban and one rural sites, including 78 Ixodes ricinus specimens and 190 Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. Of the ticks, 49.19% were infected by at least one TBP, including 41.03% of I. ricinus and 63.04% of D. reticulatus specimens. Co-infections with TBPs that involved only I. ricinus were recorded in 6.41% of these ticks. Conclusions: The study indicates that hosts are exposed to tick attacks and TBPs infection in Central Europe at high temperatures in winter. The high activity of ticks may increase the incidence of tick-borne diseases in humans and companion animals. The record’s importance indicates that practical preventive measures against TBPs should be taken due to weather conditions rather than the season.

Cosmopolitical pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) and human ascaris (Ascaris lumbricoides) are the most often nematode parasitising in human gastrointestinal tract all over the world. Pinworm are more common in temperate climatic zones of developed countries of Europe and the United States, whereas human ascaris is the most often in developing countries of Central and South America, Africa and Asia. Taking into account the widespread occurrence of enterobiasis and ascariasis and their impact on human health, it is necessary to monitor the incidence of these infestations all over the world. The aim of our work was to present the incidence of parasitic diseases caused by Enterobius vermicularis and Ascaris lumbricoides in Central Poland in the years 2005-2009. The research was conducted in Świętokrzyskie Region, which is an agricultural region of Central Poland. The data concerning the incidence of enterobiasis and ascariasis were collected from Provincial Sanitary-Epidemiological Station in Kielce. Foci of parasitic invasion covered only these cases, when at least two people were affected at the same time and the same place. Taking into account the number and localization of foci of enterobiasis and ascariasis as well as socioeconomic data from Central Statistical Office in Kielce, epidemiologic analysis of parasitic infections in Świętokrzyskie Region was done. In the years 2005-2009 in Świętokrzyskie Region 21 foci of enterobiasis and 16 foci of ascariasis were registered. The most cases of enterobiasis were registered in the year 2005 (12 foci). In examined period, the highest number of ascariasis was noted in 2008 (4 house foci and 2 school foci). The high incidence of parasitic infections of digestive tract in Świętokrzyskie Region is a consequence of several fac tors – most of inhabitants are professionally connected with agricultural and forest environment, what makes higher the risk of soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Moreover, it can be also connected with low sanitary conditions and the lack of appropriate environmental security against soil and water contamination with feces.

Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks infest humans in Europe most frequently. This report describes an interesting case of a persistent inflammatory skin reaction developed in a patient after the incomplete removal of an I. ricinus female tick. A 47-year-old female patient incompletely removed a female I. ricinus tick feeding in the lumbar region for approximately 12 h. After 9 weeks of persistent itching and burning, the skin from the tick feeding site was sampled for histopathological examination. The lesion exhibited the presence of abundant inflammatory infiltrates composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils, as well as multinucleated macrophages and irregular fibrosis. The histopathological image revealed the presence of a tick bite granuloma. This study indicates that persistent symptoms of an inflammatory reaction may develop after incomplete tick removal, even after a short time of feeding.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Dermacentor reticulatus is one of the tick species of the greatest epidemiological importance in Europe. To date, the Eastern European and Western European populations of this tick species have been separated by an area located in Poland where the species has never been found. In this study, newly discovered D. reticulatus localities in areas transformed by human activities in central-southern Poland are described. MATERIAL AND METHODS:The specimens of the ornate dog tick were identified among ticks collected from companion animals in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. They were examined using PCR methods to detect Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Babesia spp., and Toxoplasma gondii. In the case of the positive results, the amplicons were sequenced and examined by a BLAST search. RESULTS:In total, 6 specimens of D. reticulatus were collected (3 females and 3 males). As declared by the owners, animal hosts stayed in the same area throughout the study period and had never travelled outside their place of residence. As many as 3/6 (50%) of D. reticulatus adults removed from dogs were infected with Rickettsia raoultii. CONCLUSIONS:The results expand the available data on the spread of the ornate dog tick and indicate that, since 2010, this tick species and Rickettsia raoultii transmitted by this tick species have probably been present in this area, which has a strongly transformed agricultural structure and and had previously been regarded as a D. reticulatus-free zone. The presence of the ornate dog tick in urban and suburban habitats in central-southern Poland poses new threats to the health of companion animals and humans associated with the transmission of pathogens by this species.

Background: Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) pose a serious medical and veterinary threat as vectors of tick-borne pathogens. The wide variety of tick repellents available on the market primarily consist of synthetic preparations that may disrupt the ecological balance and accumulate in the environment, leading to harmful effects on humans and animals. The aim of the study was to develop an ecological preparation based on natural raw materials (biopolymers) with the addition of a mixture of essential oils that act as tick repellents. Methods: The preparations were acquired through the emulsification method, specifically the oil-in-water emulsion technique. The assessment encompassed an analysis of their physicochemical properties, including centrifugal and thermal stability, dynamic viscosity, wetting angle, and conductivity. Additionally, their biodegradation and ecotoxicity profiles were evaluated, as well as their impact on tick behavior. Results: The preparations exhibited stability, rapid biodegradation, and absence of ecotoxicity. Additionally, they had repellent properties against the two tested species of ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus). Conclusions: Emulsion formulations comprising natural ingredients have significant research potential for combating ticks, thus mitigating the risk of tick-borne diseases in both human and animal populations.

Introduction and Objective. The common tick Ixodes ricinus is one of Europe's most important vectors of tick-borne diseases. The increased risk of attacks by this tick suggests the need for identification of factors contributing to the transmission of tick-borne pathogens, and the routes of pathogen circulation in nature. Materials and method. Polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the prevalence of four pathogens, i.e. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (Bb), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap), Babesia spp. (Bs), and Bartonella spp. (Ba) in I. ricinus females and males mating on dogs in south-central Poland. Results. The study revealed the presence of three pathogens: Bb, Ap, and Bs in 9.4%, 5.4%, and 5.4% of all I. ricinus adults in copula, respectively. Co-infection with two pathogens was detected in one tick specimen. Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes were isolated in two females and two males in copula, but the sexual transfer of the spirochetes between these specimens could not be clearly confirmed. Conclusions. By increasing the feeding dynamics in females, the copulation of I. ricinus males with females attached to the host's skin may stimulate pathogen replication in tick tissues and migration from the gut to the salivary glands. Further investigations of the I. ricinus copulation on the host on female feeding and pathogen transmission may contribute to the elucidation of the eco-epidemiology of tick-borne diseases transmitted by this tick species.

Dermacentor reticulatus is one of the tick species with the greatest epidemiological importance in Europe. To date, the Eastern European and Western European populations of this tick species have been separated by an area located in Poland where the species have never been found. In this paper, we describe newly discovered D. reticulatus localities in areas transformed by human activities in central-southern Poland. Thespecimens of ornate dog tick were identified among ticks collected from companion animals in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Our results verify the available data on the spread of ornate dog tick and indicate that, since 2010, this tick species has probably been present in this area, which has a strongly transformed agricultural structure and used to be regarded as a D. reticulatus -free zone. However, field studies are required to determine the current distribution range of D. reticulatus and its population size. The presence of the ornate dog tick in urban and suburban habitats in central-southern Poland poses new threats to the health of companion animals and humans associated with the transmission of pathogens by this species.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Little is known about interspecific contacts between ticks. Therefore, this study focused on the investigation of factors that may influence interspecific contacts between Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Ixodes ricinus males and D. reticulatus females involved in oral-anal contacts (group I) and questing specimens with no such behaviour (group II) collected in eastern Poland were examined using molecular techniques to detect Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (Bb), Rickettsia spp. (Rs), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Toxoplasma gondii.RESULTS:An extremely high infection rate of Bb and Rs was determined in I. ricinus males (in groups I: 100% and 46.15% and group II: 90% and 40%, respectively) and D. reticulatus females (in group I: 84.61% and 61.53% and in group II: 90% and 20%, respectively). The prevalence of other pathogens in these ticks was substantially lower. Co-infection with pathogens was detected in approximately 53% of ticks.CONCLUSIONS:The study suggests that tick-borne pathogens may have influenced the sexual behaviour of their vectors. The oral-anal contacts between I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks are probably stimulated by Bb and/or Rs. The presence of five pathogens and numerous co-infections in the analysed ticks indicates a risk of various human infectious diseases in the study region. Further studies are required to clarify the implications of oral-anal interspecific tick interactions.

Companion dogs are at risk of tick infestations. This paper describes cases of transfer of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks by dogs to apartments in eastern Poland, tick development in household conditions, and potential consequences for the residents. For the first time, the preoviposition and oviposition of D. reticulatus females removed from dogs or spontaneously detached from these hosts were studied in household conditions. Similar analyses were performed simultaneously in laboratory settings (25 °C and 75% RH). In the household characterized by a temperature range of 18.5–21.3 °C and 46.9–56% humidity, the preoviposition and oviposition periods with the development of D. reticulatus larvae lasted 20.8 ± 3.1 days and 29.9 ± 1.4 days, respectively. Greater numbers of eggs (2415.8 ± 983.1) were laid by females in the household than laboratory conditions. There were no statistically significant differences in the hatching success between both experiments. The study also provides the first description of infestation of a human by a partially engorged D. reticulatus female that had detached from dog’s skin. Ticks transferred by dogs can develop successfully in human homes. After feeding on dogs, females achieve high reproductive performance. This suggests that dogs may play an important role in the biology of this tick species in urbanized areas.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Nurses are a group of healthcare professionals particularly vulnerable to infestations by Pediculus humanus capitis and Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis contracted from patients under their medical care. MATERIAL AND METHODS The cross-sectional study included 322 professionally active nurses within public healthcare units in eastern Poland. The research tool was a questionnaire collecting anonymized data on the occurrence of pediculosis capitis and scabies in nurses, and their patients, concerning the environmental determinants in the period 2001-2013. The study was retrospective and participation of nurses was voluntary. RESULTS The obtained results indicated that 24.8% and 9.9% of the 322 respondents were infested by head lice and scabies mites, respectively. During their professional work, most nurses contracted head lice once (76.2%) while others (23.8%) were infested twice or more. The respondents did not declare repeated occupational scabies. The risk of contracting pediculosis capitis and scabies was not related to the length of service, but increased with the rise in the number of patients provided with nursing care. In the head lice-infested patients, the majority were aged 6-10 years (31.3%), while in the case of scabietic patients, children aged 0-5 years prevailed (26.4%). CONCLUSIONS In medical care facilities, regular hygienic checks of both patients and medical staff, covering the condition of the skin and scalp, should be mandatory. The spread of pediculosis capitis and scabies among nurses can be reduced by the implementation not only of protective procedures mitigating occupational risk, but also the improvement of working conditions in medical facilities.

The components of blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) saliva secreted during feeding on humans and animals induce various pathological reactions manifested by skin lesions and systemic symptoms. In this study, we describe 43 cases of severe skin lesions induced by blackfly bites and analyze their potential causes. Based on the results of a survey of 418 patients, we identified periods with risk of blackfly attacks and their environmental determinants in the eastern part of the European Union. Especially strong inflammatory reactions after blackfly bites were reported in patients with concomitant cardiovascular diseases (mainly with venous insufficiency), metabolic diseases, and bacterial infections. Enhanced symptoms of simuliosis were also observed in other patients attacked by these insects only once or repeatedly. The greatest number of blackfly attacks in the study area is recorded from May to July, with a peak in June (38.73%) in the afternoon (37.10%) and evening (33.03%), when patients are in fields, forests, or their households. The case analysis indicates interactions of various factors in the development of severe inflammatory reactions in patients bitten by blackflies. Therefore, it is recommended that subjects exposed to the presence of blackflies during their work or rest should limit the length of their stay in a vulnerable environment during the highest seasonal and daily activity of these insects. It is also necessary to take measures to reduce the number of blackflies and popularize methods for prophylaxis of their attacks.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most common viral neurological disease in Eurasia. It is usually transmitted via tick bites but can also occur through ingestion of TBEV-infected milk and dairy products. The present paper summarises the knowledge of the food-borne TBEV transmission and presents methods for the prevention of its spread. The incidence of milk-borne TBE outbreaks is recorded in central, eastern, and north-eastern Europe, where Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, and/or Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, i.e., the main vectors of TBEV, occur abundantly. The growing occurrence range and population size of these ticks increases the risk of infection of dairy animals, i.e., goats, sheep, and cows, with viruses transmitted by these ticks. Consumers of unpasteurised milk and dairy products purchased from local farms located in TBE endemic areas are the most vulnerable to alimentary TBEV infections. Familial infections with these viruses are frequently recorded, mainly in children. Food-transmitted TBE can be monophasic or biphasic, and some of its neurological and psychiatric symptoms may persist in patients for a long time. Alimentary TBEV infections can be effectively prevented by consumption of pasteurised milk and the use of TBEV vaccines. It is recommended that milk and dairy products should be checked for the presence of TBE viruses prior to distribution. Protection of dairy animals against tick attacks and education of humans regarding the epidemiology and prophylaxis of TBE are equally important.

Insects of the genus Lipoptena are parasitic arthropods with a broad host range. Due to the type of parasitism (hematophagy), their potential role as vectors of pathogens, i.e., Bartonella sp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi is considered. As the range of their occurrence has been changing dynamically in recent years and infestations of humans have increasingly been reported, these organisms are now the subject of numerous studies. Our research aimed to present the molecular characteristics of Bartonella sp. detected in Lipoptena fortisetosa parasitizing wild cervids in south-eastern Poland. Adults of Lipoptena spp. were collected from carcasses of roe deer and red deer between spring and autumn in 2013. The PCR method was used to detect Bartonella sp. in the insects. We report two new haplotypes of the rpoB gene of Bartonella sp. isolated from L. fortisetosa feeding on wild cervids in south-eastern Poland and the presence of this invasive ectoparasitic species in the studied area since 2013. Phylogenetic analyses of newly obtained Bartonella sp. haplotypes confirmed their unique position on the constructed tree and network topology. The rpoB gene sequences found belonging to lineage B support the view that this phylogenetic lineage represents a novel Bartonella species.

Ixodiphagus endoparasitoid wasps are natural tick enemies that can reduce their abundance. In this study, we investigated the presence of Ixodiphagus hookeri in Haemaphysalis concinna and Ixodes ricinus ticks in the Slovak Karst (southern Slovakia) and analysed the ecological and physiological relationships in the parasitoid-host system. Unfed H. concinna and I. ricinus nymphs harvested from vegetation were fed on rabbits. The engorged specimens were kept at 25 °C and 75% RH until the emergence of the adult wasps. For the first time in Europe, we found the presence of I. hookeri in two species of ticks collected in the same locality and compared their development in these tick species. The prevalence of wasps in H. concinna and I. ricinus during their spring activity was estimated at 10.64% and 27.78%, respectively. The presence of the wasps did not affect the duration of nymph feeding. Engorged wasp-infected ticks achieved higher body mass than non-infected specimens. In both tick species, there were no differences in the length of the development period and the number and sex ratio of adult I. hookeri . The analysed indicators and characteristics of the I. hookeri wasp-tick system can be used in research on tick control.

Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.

Due to their mass occurrence in some environments and high aggressiveness, blackflies (Simulium spp.) represent the most bothersome arthropods attacking humans. In this study, we describe the medical effects of blackfly infestations in humans in southeastern Poland. Local and systemic reactions to blackfly bites were monitored in 418 patients (61.24% of females and 38.76% of males) of medical centers. Only skin lesions at the site of the bites were found in 88.52% of the patients, whereas accompanying systemic reactions were diagnosed in 11.48%. The most common signs observed in the area of the bites were pruritus (94.74%), burning (55.02%), edema (44.02%), and erythema (40.91%). The skin lesions, which were most often grouped small papules and papular and purpuric lesions with a varied range, typically persisted for several days, or for several weeks in some patients. Statistical analyses confirmed that the persistence of the skin lesions did not depend on the sex of the patients and the number of blackfly infestations. The systemic reactions to the components of the blackfly saliva were manifested by headache, increased body temperature, arthralgia, lymphadenopathy, and menstrual disorders in the females. The patients were most often attacked simultaneously by many blackflies on exposed parts of the body, mainly the upper limb, lower limb, head, and neck areas. The investigations indicate that blackflies are an important etiological factor of dermatitis and other symptoms in humans; hence, they should be considered in clinical diagnosis.

Background: The territorial expansion and increased population size of haematophagous arthropods (i.e., the castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and the deer ked Lipoptena cervi (Diptera: Hippoboscidae)) has enhanced the risk of human infestations in Europe. The aim of our study was to present skin lesions induced by tick and deer ked bites in patients from recreational forest regions in southeastern Poland and pay attention to features of skin changes that may be useful in differential diagnosis. Methods: We compare the skin lesions after I. ricinus and L. cervi bite and draw attention to the biological and ecological traits of both ectoparasites, which may be diagnostically relevant for determination of the cause of skin symptoms reported by patients. Results: I. ricinus bites lead to development of erythematous-infiltrative poorly demarcated lesions with a centrally located bite mark, which usually disappears within one to several days. In turn, L. cervi bites leave irregularly shaped scattered erythematous papules. The papules may persist for up to one year and are accompanied by itching. Conclusions: Correct assessment of the clinical picture and its association with an arthropod bite (e.g., tick or deer ked) is highly important for further diagnostic procedures (i.e., differentiation of skin lesions developing in tick-borne diseases and, consequently, correct choice of pharmacological therapy). I. ricinus and L. cervi differ in their developmental cycles and rhythms of activity, which indicates that both species should be considered potential causative agents in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions when the patient has been bitten by an arthropod in autumn and winter months.

Rickettsiae from the spotted fever group, i.e. the etiological agents of tick-borne lymphadenopathy/Dermacentor-borne necrotic erythema and lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA /DEBONEL) syndrome, are associated with ticks, including Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus. The expansion of these ticks into new areas increases the risk of infection of their hosts with tick-borne pathogens. The study summarises the importance of 2 species from the genus Dermacentor, i.e. D. marginatus and D. reticulatus, in the spread of spotted fever group rickettsiae in various regions of Europe. The study also focuses on the determinants of the presence of vectors and transmission of rickettsiae, as well as the effects of human infections with these pathogens. The climate changes observed nowadays affect vectors and increase the incidence and spread of tick-borne diseases worldwide. Due to the existing risk of exposure to an increasing number of people, knowledge about the course of these serious diseases and their etiological factors should be disseminated among healthcare professionals as well as in society. There is a great challenge for epidemiological services to provide access to medical and veterinary facilities in order to diagnose and treat rickettsioses. Therefore, the development of a strategy for tick control and the popularisation of knowledge concerning prophylaxis of tick-borne diseases is indispensable.