Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42277755›Full record

ArticleBMC biology2026

The first chromosome-scale genome assembly for Dermacentor reticulatus: a key vector of tick-borne pathogens of public and veterinary health importance in Europe.

Nina Billows, Mia L White, Joseph Thorpe, Matthew Higgins, Emma Collins, Myrela Santos de Jesus, Mojca Kristan, Steven Pullan, Sarah M Biddlecombe, Faye V Brown and 4 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC biology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

14 authors.

Nina BillowsFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Mia L WhiteDiagnostics & Pathogen Characterisation, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK.
Joseph ThorpeFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Matthew HigginsFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Emma CollinsFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Myrela Santos de JesusFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Mojca KristanFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Steven PullanDiagnostics & Pathogen Characterisation, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK.
Sarah M BiddlecombeMedical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK.
Faye V BrownMedical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK.
Taane G ClarkFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Kayleigh M HansfordMedical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK.
Jolyon M MedlockMedical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK.
Susana CampinoFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. susana.campino@lshtm.ac.uk.

Funding

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council BB/X018156/1MRC/ EPSRC MRC MR/X005895/1; EPSRC EP/Y018842/1São Paulo Research Foundation-FAPESP 2024/07850-4
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDermacentor reticulatus is a key tick species across Europe and an established vector of multiple pathogens affecting both human and animal health. Despite its significant role in disease transmission and its expanding distribution, genomic data for this species remain limited. Here, we present the first chromosome-scale genome assembly of D. reticulatus, constructed using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing.

resultsThis chromosome-scale genome assembly revealed a repeat-rich genome, with approximately 63.6% of the total sequence consisting of repetitive elements. BUSCO analysis demonstrated strong genome completeness, with guided assembly achieving a score of 97.9%, comparable to related Dermacentor species. Gene annotation predicted 21,592 genes with a BUSCO completeness score of 98%. Functional characterisation, including Pfam domain assignment and gene ontology analysis, highlighted enrichment of molecular functions associated with detoxification, protease regulation, antimicrobial defence, and cholesterol metabolism. Additionally, the mitochondrial genome (15,103 bp), comprising 38 genes, was assembled, providing further insight into D. reticulatus phylogenetic placement in the Dermacentor genus.

conclusionsThis genomic resource establishes a foundation for studying tick biology, evolution, and host-pathogen interactions.

Indexed as

Arachnid VectorsChromosomesDermacentorGenomeAnimalsEuropeGenomicsPhylogenyDermancentor reticulatusEuropeGenome assemblyGenomicsTicks

Identifiers

PMID42277755
PMCPMC13495156

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