ArticleParasites & vectors2026
Molecular screening of tick-borne pathogens in host-seeking Haemaphysalis punctata Canestrini & Fanzago, 1878 (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae) in Anatolia with the first report of Burana virus.
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Abstract
backgroundHaemaphysalis punctata is a widespread Palearctic tick species, yet its role in the circulation of tick-borne pathogens in Türkiye remains poorly characterized. No systematic pathogen survey has previously been conducted on host-seeking individuals of this species. This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive molecular investigation of bacterial, protozoan, and viral tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in questing H. punctata populations in Central and Northeastern Anatolia.
methodsA total of 96 host-seeking adult H. punctata were collected from 29 sampling sites in 11 districts across seven provinces. DNA and RNA extracts were screened using a multi-agent polymerase chain reaction (PCR)--sequencing panel targeting a broad range of TBPs. Positive amplicons were sequenced for species identification, and complete genome sequencing was performed for the detected Burana virus strain. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian approaches.
resultsMicroorganisms detected included Babesia major (5.21%), Theileria orientalis (1.04%), an uncharacterized Ehrlichia sp. (1.04%), and spotted fever group rickettsiae (3.13%) comprising Candidatus Rickettsia yenbekshikazakhensis and Rickettsia hoogstraalii. Coxiella burnetii was identified at the highest prevalence (20.83%), representing the first detection of this agent in questing H. punctata in Türkiye. Several ticks carried mixed infections. Notably, Burana virus was detected in one specimen-marking the first confirmed occurrence of this orthonairovirus outside Central Asia. Complete S, M, and L segment genomes were recovered, and phylogenetic analyses showed a close-though not identical-relationship to strains from Kyrgyzstan and Xinjiang.
conclusionsThis study provides the first systematic assessment of TBPs in host-seeking H. punctata in Türkiye and documents, for the first time in this species, the presence of Burana virus, Candidatus R. yenbekshikazakhensis, T. orientalis, and C. burnetii. The findings highlight H. punctata as an underrecognized but epidemiologically relevant tick species in Anatolia and reveal previously undocumented microorganism circulation, with important implications for surveillance of emerging viral and zoonotic threats.
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