Molecular evidence ofBartonella DNA in ixodid ticks in Czechia

We report the development of a novel method for detection ofBartonella DNA in ixodid ticks. The assay is based on a specific amplification of a part of 16S rRNA gene and 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region ofBartonella sp. by nested PCR and Southern blot hybridization with specific DNA probe; the method is highly sensitive and specific. The screening of 327 unfed ticks collected in different urban and suburban areas of Czechia in 2003–2005 revealed the presence ofBartonella DNA in fourIxodes ricinus individuals (1.2 %), two males, one female and one nymph.