Is the Invasion of Deer Keds by Lipoptena Spp. Potentially Dangerous for Human and Animal Health?

Abstract Lipoptena cervi and Lipoptena fortisetosa are hematophagous ectoparasites from the Hippoboscidae family that mainly parasitizes Cervidae. These species may also attack humans and its bites may cause allergenic symptoms. The aim of the study was to determine the role of Lipoptena species as a potential vector and/or reservoir of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Bartonella spp. pathogens in forested areas of north-eastern Poland. The presence of B. burgdorferi s.l was shown in 16.6% of L. cervi. Bartonella spp. was detected in 53.5% of L. cervi and in 75.7% of L. fortisetosa, respectively. The conducted study confirmed the presence of Bartonella spp. in L. cervi and L. fortisetosa. The first evidence of Borrelia bugdorferii s.l. in winged specimens of L. cervi was shown. The obtained data indicates that deer keds can harbor these pathogens, but further investigations are required to confirm that Lipoptena could be a biological vector of these pathogens.