Work

Molecular epidemiological study on tick-borne pathogens in Qinghai Province, Northwestern China

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • Scientific question: Ticks are vectors for various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which may result in various zoonotic diseases. However, research on the prevalence and diversity of tick-borne pathogens in Qinghai Province is inadequate, and the potential public health ramifications have not been thoroughly assessed. • Evidence before this study: There have been continuous reports on emerging tick-borne pathogens in China. Rickettsia , ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and many types of tick viruses have occurred in Northwestern China, especially in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Gansu Province. The data on the distribution of tick-borne disease in Qinghai region are comparatively sparse. • New findings: High positivity rates for and high diversities of tick-borne pathogens were found. Sequencing revealed the presence of 7 species of Rickettsia , 4 species of Anaplasma , 2 species of Ehrlichia , 2 species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (BBSL), 1 species of Babesia , and 3 species of Theileria . A total of 6.43 % were found to be co-infected with two pathogens, while 0.36 % exhibited co-infection with three pathogens. Significant correlations ( P < 0.05) were observed between the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens and tick species, sex, developmental stages, parasitic status, and blood-feeding status, respectively. • Significance of the study This study highlights the high diversity and prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in Qinghai Province, posing potential risks to both local livestock and human health. It provides essential reference data for future monitoring and control efforts of tick-borne pathogens in the region. Recently, there has been a continuous stream of reports on emerging tick-borne pathogens affecting humans. Qinghai Province, located in the northweastern region, is one of China’s major pastoral areas, providing a suitable environment for ticks' survival and transmitting tick-borne pathogens. Here, we collected 560 free-living and parasitic ticks from 11 locations in Qinghai Province using the flag-drag method or tweezers, identifying them as belonging to 4 species of ticks. The overall positivity rate for tick-borne pathogens was 51.61 %, comprising Rickettsia (34.64 %), Anaplasma (5.00 %), Ehrlichia (2.14 %), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (BBSL) (7.50 %), Babesia (0.18 %), and Theileria (5.89 %). Sequencing revealed the presence of 7 species of Rickettsia , 4 species of Anaplasma , 2 species of Ehrlichia , 2 species of BBSL, 1 species of Babesia, and 3 species of Theileria . Among the ticks, 6.43 % were co-infected with 2 pathogens, while 0.36 % exhibited co-infection with 3 pathogens. Significant correlations ( P < 0.05) were observed between the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens and factors including tick species, sex, developmental stages, parasitic status, and blood-feeding status. The results highlight the diverse distribution of tick-borne pathogens in Qinghai Province, posing a significant threat to both local animal husbandry and human health. It underscores the need to enhance systematic monitoring of tick-borne pathogens in the local population and livestock.

Source: Biosafety and Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.005