Work

Ticks of the Genus Amblyomma and Lice of the Genus Eutrichophilus: Potential Vectors of Brazilian Porcupinepox Virus

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Brazilian porcupinepox virus (BPoPV) is a recently described pathogen associated with severe cutaneous and systemic disease in Coendou spp. porcupines, posing potential conservation and zoonotic risks. Given the solitary behavior of porcupines and the unclear mechanisms of BPoPV transmission, this study investigated the presence of BPoPV DNA in porcupines and their associated ectoparasites (ticks and lice). We analyzed ticks and lice collected from 17 porcupines (C. longicaudatus and C. spinosus), with or without clinical signs of BPoPV infection. Ectoparasites were identified morphologically, separated into distinct pools for ticks and lice by host, and screened by PCR. BPoPV DNA was detected in all symptomatic porcupines and their ectoparasites—including Amblyomma longirostre, A. sculptum ticks, and Eutrichophilus spp. lice—except for one tick pool. Notably, an asymptomatic, BPoPV-negative porcupine harbored A. longirostre ticks that tested positive for the virus. Sequencing confirmed 100% identity with the BPoPV reference strain. These findings suggest that Eutrichophilus lice, A. sculptum, and particularly A. longirostre ticks may play a role in BPoPV transmission. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether these ectoparasites act as biological or mechanical vectors and to assess the zoonotic potential of BPoPV in contact with humans and domestic animals.

Source: Pathogens

DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14080809