First Molecular Survey and Genetic Characterization of Spp. in Ticks Infesting Dogs in Taiwan

Overview

Journal Microorganisms

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2025 Feb 26

PMID 40005788

Authors

Chien-Ming Shih

Xing-Ru Huang

Esmeralda Erazo

Li-Lian Chao

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

infection in ticks infesting dogs was first screened in Taiwan by nested-PCR assay targeting the citrate synthase gene () of . A general infection rate (3.46%) was detected in a total of 1186 examined ticks, and infection rates of 3.20%, 3.6%, and 4.27% were detected in females, males, and nymphs, respectively. The monthly prevalence of infection was observed from March to November, and the highest infection was detected in April (6.92%) followed by a higher infection in July (5.56%), October (4.72%), September (3.57%), and May (3.54%). The prevalence of infection in ticks infesting stray dogs (4.15%) is significantly higher than ticks infesting domestic dogs (1.11%) (chi-square test, = 0.015). Genetic analysis based on the gene sequences from 13 Taiwan specimens, compared with 13 genospecies of strains documented in GenBank, revealed that the genetic identities of these Taiwan strains were phylogenetically affiliated with the genospecies of the transitional group () and the spotted fever group ( and ) of . This study demonstrates the first molecular screening of spp. in ticks infesting dogs in Taiwan. The human pathogenic strain of was first discovered in ticks infesting dogs. Because dogs serve as companion animals to humans, the presence of various species existing in ticks may pose a potential threat to human health in Taiwan.

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