Arthropod-borne diseases: spreading of pathogens transmitted by hematophagous arthropods of human and veterinary concern

Arthropod-borne diseases are caused by several bacterial, viral and protozoal species and transmitted through the bite of hematophagous arthropods, mainly ticks whose spreading is strictly related to the climatic conditions. Most etiologic agents are zoonotic bacteria able to cause mild or severe clinical forms both in animals and humans. Some of these pathogens are well known, such as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato responsible for the Lyme disease and Rickettsia conorii, etiologic agent of the Mediterranean Spotted Fever. However, other arthropod-borne bacteria are circulating in Central Italy: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella henselae and other Bartonella species, Coxiella burnetii, and Ehrlichia canis. In view of the One- Health concept, a regular monitoring of the spreading of these pathogens is necessary to give information of veterinary and human interest.