A first record of microsporidia in the ixodid tick Ixodes ricinus L. (Ixodidae) in the territory of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Republic Moldova

Spores of microsporidia have been recovered in 5 specimens of 13 ixodid ticks Ixodes ricinus from various populations of the Republic Moldova collected in spring of 2004. Microsporidia were detected by means of fluorescent microscopy. Intensity of infection was 3-6 spores per a micropreparate from one mite. Based on spore size, character of staining and the presence of diplocarion, these spores are referred to the Nosema-like type. Low intensity of infection probably is caused by that fact that ticks were collected in spring period and were unfed.