Rediscovery and first genetic description of some poorly known tick species: Haemaphysalis kopetdaghica Kerbabaev, 1962 and Dermacentor raskemensis Pomerantzev, 1946

Population genetic structure and demographic history of Dermacentor marginatus Sulzer, 1776 in Anatolia

Dermacentor marginatus is a medically important tick species due to its preference humans and domestic animals as hosts and its vectorial competence, yet it remains understudied in many regions. This study aimed to examine the population structure and demographic history of D. marginatus using the cox1 and ITS2 genes, focusing on populations from Central and Northeast Anatolia-two regions on either side of the Anatolian Diagonal, a natural biogeographical barrier. A total of 361 host-seeking adult D. marginatus ticks from 31 sampling sites were analyzed, revealing 131 haplotypes for cox1 and 104 genotypes for ITS2. Neutrality tests and mismatch distribution patterns rejected the null hypothesis of the neutral theory, indicating that the population of D. marginatus in Anatolia has undergone a recent demographic expansion. Significant genetic differentiation and population structuring were observed between the Central and Northeastern Anatolian populations of D. marginatus, correlating with geographic distance and suggesting that the Anatolian Diagonal acts as a potential barrier to gene flow. Intrapopulation gene flow was higher in Central Anatolian populations compared to Northeastern Anatolian populations. Bayesian phylogeny revealed a highly divergent D. marginatus haplotype within the Northeastern Anatolian population, clustering into a Central Asian clade. Additionally, phylogenetic trees of the subgenus Serdjukovia revealed taxonomic ambiguities, including the absence of a distinct clade for D. niveus and potential misidentifications of D. marginatus and D. raskemensis specimens. Furthermore, the monophyletic relationship between D. marginatus and D. raskemensis supports the likelihood of sympatric speciation. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic structure, phylogeography, and evolutionary dynamics of D. marginatus while providing a framework for future research on tick populations.

New Data on Ectoparasites of the Caucasian Squirrel Sciurus anomalus (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Türkiye: A Case Report

Sciurus anomalus Güldenstädt, 1785, known as the Caucasian squirrel, is a rodent distributed in all geographical regions of Türkiye. The material of this study consists of ectoparasites collected from male S. anomalus found dead on the highway (Karasu, Sakarya, Türkiye). As a result of microscopic examination, the specimens were identified: ticks as Ixodes ricinus Linnaeus, 1758 (larvae and nymph), sucking louses as Neohaematopinus syriacus Ferris, 1923 (female), and fleas as Monopsyllus sciurorum sciurorum (Schrank, 1803) (female and male). In this study, the presence of Ixodes ricinus infestation on Sciurus anomalus is reported for the first time in Türkiye.

Genetic analysis challenges the presence of Ixodes inopinatus in Central Europe: development of a multiplex PCR to distinguish I. inopinatus from I. ricinus

BACKGROUND

Ixodes ricinus is an important vector of several pathogens, primarily in Europe. Recently, Ixodes inopinatus was described from Spain, Portugal, and North Africa and then reported from several European countries. In this study, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to distinguish I. ricinus from I. inopinatus and used in the surveillance of I. inopinatus in Algeria (ALG) and three regions in the Czech Republic (CZ).

METHODS

A multiplex PCR on TROSPA and sequencing of several mitochondrial (16S rDNA, COI) and nuclear markers (TROSPA, ITS2, calreticulin) were used to differentiate these two species and for a subsequent phylogenetic analysis.

RESULTS

Sequencing of TROSPA, COI, and ITS2 separated these two species into two subclades, while 16S rDNA and calreticulin could not distinguish I. ricinus from I. inopinatus. Interestingly, 23 nucleotide positions in the TROSPA gene had consistently double peaks in a subset of ticks from CZ. Cloning of these PCR products led to a clear separation of I. ricinus and I. inopinatus indicating hybridization and introgression between these two tick taxa. Based on a multiplex PCR of TROSPA and analysis of sequences of TROSPA, COI, and ITS2, the majority of ticks in CZ were I. ricinus, no I. inopinatus ticks were found, and 10 specimens showed signs of hybridization. In contrast, most ticks in ALG were I. inopinatus, four ticks were I. ricinus, and no signs of hybridization and introgression were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a multiplex PCR method based on the TROSPA gene to differentiate I. ricinus and I. inopinatus. We demonstrate the lack of evidence for the presence of I. inopinatus in Central Europe and propose that previous studies be re-examined. Mitochondrial markers are not suitable for distinguishing I. inopinatus from I. ricinus. Furthermore, our data indicate that I. inopinatus and I. ricinus can hybridize, and the hybrids can survive in Europe.

Description of Male, Redescription of Female, Host Record, and Phylogenetic Position of Haemaphysalis danieli

Haemaphysalis ticks are globally distributed with the greatest diversity in the Oriental region. This study aimed to primarily provide information on the morphology, host record, and preliminary phylogenetic position of a poorly known tick Haemaphysalis danieli. Herds comprised of goats and sheep were examined for this tick species in Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 127 ticks, including males (n = 15, 11.8%) and females (n = 112, 88.2%), were collected, and morphologically identified as H. danieli. The morphological identification was confirmed through the 16S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase (cox1) sequences. Phylogenetic analysis inferred based on 16S rDNA and cox1 showed a close evolutionary relationship of H. danieli with a conspecific from China and an undetermined Haemaphysalis sp. from China and Anatolia. A total of 32/223 (14.3%) goats in two different herds were the only host infested by H. danieli. The earliest study provided the morphological description of H. danieli male, host record, and phylogenetic position. The information provided herein could assist in minimizing the knowledge gap regarding the systematic and taxonomy of Haemaphysalis species.

New Cell Lines Derived from European Tick Species

Tick cell lines are important tools for research on ticks and the pathogens they transmit. Here, we report the establishment of ten new cell lines from European ticks of the genera Argas, Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus originating from Germany and Spain. For each cell line, the method used to generate the primary culture, a morphological description of the cells and species confirmation by sequencing of the partial 16S rRNA gene are presented. Further molecular analysis of the two new Ixodes ricinus cell lines and three existing cell lines of the same species revealed genetic variation between cell lines derived from ticks collected in the same or nearby locations. Collectively, these new cell lines will support research into a wide range of viral, bacterial and protozoal tick-borne diseases prevalent in Europe.

A molecular phylogenetic investigation of tick species in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia

Understanding the local tick species composition is crucial for overcoming the diseases they transmit. A comprehensive survey integrating molecular identification was conducted in the eastern and southeastern parts of Turkey, where tick surveys have previously been neglected. A total of 596 specimens belonging to four tick genera were collected from 27 localities in Turkey during the summers of 2019 and 2020. Seventy-seven representative individuals were chosen for molecular analysis. Nine distinct species, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus rossicus, Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma aegyptium, Haemaphysalis sulcata, and Dermacentor marginatus were identified. The presence of R. rossicus was demonstrated for the first time in Turkey. Two lineages of R. turanicus were identified, and representatives of both lineages were recorded. Our Hyalomma phylogenetic tree was consistent with previous findings from Turkey; however, new sympatric areas for Hy. marginatum and Hy. excavatum and Hy. marginatum and Hy. asiaticum were recorded. Two haplotypes (Haemaphysalis sp. and Dermacentor sp.) could not be identified using morphological and molecular methods. In addition to making a valuable contribution to the molecular database of ticks in the Middle East, this study will also stimulate comparative studies on the genetic structure, ecology, and vector competence of different populations of these species in Turkey as well as in other parts of the world.