Amblyomma mixtum (Acari: Ixodidae) Infestation in Humans in the Flooded Savanna Region of Colombia

Ticks are arthropods responsible for transmitting microorganisms important to wild, domestic, and human animals. In ecosystems where they are distributed, interactions between hosts are a constant risk. This study analyzed voluntary case reports of tick infestations in humans and tick collections from wild and domestic animals in six different locations in the flooded savanna region of the Colombian Orinoquia. Classical and molecular taxonomy were used to identify tick species. Individuals infested with ticks were monitored for clinical manifestations related to tick bites. A total of 22 ticks were found infesting five men and one woman, aged between 9 and 60 years. Both classical and molecular taxonomy confirmed that 100% of the ticks infesting humans and animals were Amblyomma mixtum. Two of the six individuals reported primary and secondary skin reactions during and after the tick bite, including mild-to-severe inflammatory reactions, pruritus, and erythematous papules that persisted up to 72 h. This study provides, for the first time, compiled information on clinical skin manifestations caused by A. mixtum in humans in the flooded savanna region and in Colombia as a whole. These findings serve as a theoretical basis for developing surveillance programs targeting infestations caused by this arthropod.