Tick-associated microorganisms (Borrelia, Rickettsia, Hepatozoon, and Hemolivia) in Amblyomma varanense ticks parasitizing Asian water monitors (Varanus salvator): Insights from a hotspot in Ratchaburi Province, Western Thailand
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
2667114X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105033004764
Journal Title
Current Research in Parasitology and Vector Borne Diseases
Volume
9
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Current Research in Parasitology and Vector Borne Diseases Vol.9 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Narapakdeesakul D., Myint S.Y.P.P., Aung Z.T., Junsiri W., Thanasak J., Pongtheerat T., Beugnet F., Taweethavonsawat P. Tick-associated microorganisms (Borrelia, Rickettsia, Hepatozoon, and Hemolivia) in Amblyomma varanense ticks parasitizing Asian water monitors (Varanus salvator): Insights from a hotspot in Ratchaburi Province, Western Thailand. Current Research in Parasitology and Vector Borne Diseases Vol.9 (2026). doi:10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100366 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/115834
Title
Tick-associated microorganisms (Borrelia, Rickettsia, Hepatozoon, and Hemolivia) in Amblyomma varanense ticks parasitizing Asian water monitors (Varanus salvator): Insights from a hotspot in Ratchaburi Province, Western Thailand
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Asian water monitors (Varanus salvator) serve as significant hosts for ticks in Southeast Asia, yet the diversity of microorganisms potentially vectored or endosymbiotic within their ticks in Western Thailand remains underexplored. This study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of tick-associated microorganisms in ticks parasitizing this varanid species at the Khaozon Wildlife Breeding Center (KWBC), Ratchaburi Province. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed that all 30 adult ticks collected were Amblyomma varanense (Arachnida: Ixodidae). PCR-based analysis coupled with DNA sequencing revealed that Rickettsia was the most prevalent microorganism detected (90.0%, 27/30), with gltA sequences genetically clustering within the spotted fever group (SFG) and closely related to the human pathogenic Rickettsia monacensis and Rickettsia tamurae. Utilizing the flaB gene, Borrelia spp. were identified in 76.66% (23/30) of ticks, forming lineages within the reptile-associated (REP) clade, distinct from Lyme borreliosis (LB) group. Furthermore, Hepatozoon sp. and Hemolivia sp. were each identified in 3.33% (1/30) of ticks; notably, this represents the first molecular record of Hemolivia sp. in A. varanense from a varanid host. Nevertheless, this discovery relies on a single genetic marker (18S rRNA gene). Our study revealed a diverse microbial community in varanid-associated A. varanense ticks at the KWBC. Despite the absence of human infections by reptile-associated Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp., the existence of these microorganisms underscores the critical need for ongoing One Health surveillance at this anthropogenic-forest interface.