Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, but their microbiome—and the way it interacts with pathogens—is still not fully understood under natural conditions. This study investigated the microbiome diversity and pathogen prevalence in Ixodes ricinus nymphs collected across three Belgian ecoregions: Sandy Loam, Condroz, and Ardennes.

🔎 Key findings:

· Clear regional differences in microbiome composition and pathogen prevalence.

· Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. was most prevalent in the Ardennes, while Anaplasma phagocytophilum dominated in Sandy Loam.

· Endosymbionts such as Midichloria mitochondrii and Spiroplasma ixodetis showed distinct geographic distributions.

· Network analysis revealed potential interactions between pathogens and the microbiota, including evidence that Rickettsia helvetica may actively shape microbial community structure.

· Microbiome robustness varied across ecoregions, emphasizing the role of ecological context in microbial interactions.

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