Molecular evidence of potential novel spotted fever group rickettsiae, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in Amblyomma ticks parasitizing wild snakes

• DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0719-3
• Publication Date: 2015-02-18T01:51:22Z
• Authors: Kai Ling Kho; Fui Xian Koh; Sun Tee Tay
• Keywords: Amblyomma; Anaplasmataceae; Amblyomma americanum; Ehrlichia chaffeensis; Tick-borne disease; Anaplasmosis

Amblyomma ticks parasitize a wide range of animals in tropical regions. This study describes the identification from wild snakes Malaysia and detection potential human pathogens such as Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia bartonellae ticks.Twenty one adult (twelve A. varanense nine helvolum ticks) identified seven Python molurus Sepang pool six Naja sumatrana snake Johore, were investigated this study. Amplification citrate synthase (gltA), 190-kDa surface antigen gene (ompA), 135-kDa (ompB) cell (sca4) genes followed by sequence analysis confirmed presence two novel spotted fever group rickettsiae ticks. Candidatus Rickettsia sepangensis an engorged tick demonstrated high similarity to tamurae; while johorensis samples (individual pooled) closely related raoultii. Anaplasma DNA detected ticks, respectively. No was any ticks.The finding suggests that parasitizing may serve reservoir hosts carriers for rickettsioses, anaplasmosis ehrlichiosis region.