Figure 3. Flow chart of bacteria and tick identification and patient signs/symptoms in study of bacterial agents detected in 418 ticks removed from humans during 2014–2021, France. Ticks were removed from 359 patients and sent to the Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection in Marseille, France, where they were identified by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry or sequencing PCR products. Bacteria carried by ticks were isolated and identified by PCR or serologic methods at the institute. CLB, Coxiella-like bacteria; SENLAT, scalp eschar and neck lymphadenopathy syndrome; SFG, spotted fever group; TBD, tickborne disease; WB, Western blot.