Molecular Detection and Characterization of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Collected from Humans

Ticks carry numerous pathogens that, if transmitted, can cause disease in humans and animals. Research on pathogens transmitted from ticks to humans is essential for improving public health strategies against tick-borne diseases (TBDs). In this study, <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> ticks found on humans were collected and examined between 2019 and 2024. This study is about the molecular characteristics of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in the region of northern Serbia, including <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> sensu lato (s.l.), <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i>, and <i>Coxiella burnetii</i>. We identified <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s.l. as the most prevalent in ticks (20.45%). Molecular analysis identified two genospecies, <i>B. afzelii</i> and <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s.s., indicating genetic diversity among <i>Borrelia</i> spirochetes. <i>A. phagocytophilum</i> was detected in ticks with a prevalence of (1.62%), while <i>C. burnetii</i> was not found in any of the ticks. Our findings highlight the necessity of monitoring tick pathogens in ticks removed from humans. Serbia is an endemic region for some tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease. Regular surveillance of tick populations, with molecular identification of pathogens, offers insight into transmission dynamics, allowing for monitoring and public health interventions to be created if needed due to increased risk.