From Angitia to Saint Domenico: Detection of vector-borne pathogens in snakes at the “Festa dei Serpari” in Cocullo, Central Italy

The "Festa dei Serpari" is a sacro-profane ritual held annually in central Italy in honor of Saint Domenico and characterized by close interaction between humans and snakes. Following a previous general health assessment, this study focused on zoonotic risks of vector-borne agents (i.e., Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia, Leishmania, and Rickettsia) by conducting molecular screening of 241 snakes and their ectoparasites. Screening revealed that 5.3 % (13/241) of snakes were DNA-positive for at least one pathogen, including 3.3 % (8/241) for Leishmania infantum in blood samples, 2.4 % (6/241) for Leishmania tarentolae in blood, cloacal, and oral swab samples, and 0.4 % (1/241) for Rickettsia monacensis detected in a single larval Ixodes ricinus tick collected from the oral cavity of a snake. Notably, this study provides the first molecular detection of the mammalian pathogen L. infantum and of R. monacensis in snakes and their ticks, respectively, in Europe. These findings highlight the exposure of snakes in central Italy to zoonotic vector-borne agents and underscore the importance of continued surveillance, as well as further experimental infection studies to clarify the role of reptiles in the ecology of Leishmania spp. Data also emphasize the need to strengthen preventive measures, including the use of protective clothing and repellents, careful post-handling body inspection to promptly remove attached ticks, and effective risk communication among participants and handlers of this traditional event.