Introduction

Ticks are important vectors of various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which pose significant health risks to humans and animals. The study of tick species composition, genetic diversity, and pathogen prevalence is crucial for understanding disease transmission and implementing effective control strategies. Guangxi, China, with its subtropical climate and diverse ecosystems, provides a favorable environment for tick proliferation, making it a key region for tick-borne disease surveillance.

Species Composition of Ticks in Guangxi

Surveys in Guangxi have identified multiple tick species belonging to different genera, including:

• Ixodes spp. – Commonly associated with Lyme disease transmission.


• Haemaphysalis spp. – Known to harbor a variety of pathogens affecting livestock and humans.


• Rhipicephalus spp. – A major vector of rickettsial and protozoal diseases.


• Dermacentor spp. – Capable of transmitting severe viral and bacterial infections.

The distribution of these species varies across different ecological zones, influenced by climate, host availability, and habitat conditions.

Genetic Structure of Tick Populations

Molecular analyses using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear markers such as microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have revealed:

• High genetic diversity among tick populations, indicating long-term adaptation to local environments.


• Evidence of gene flow between geographically separated populations, suggesting tick migration through host movement.


• Possible cryptic species or subspecies, necessitating further taxonomic clarification.

These findings help in understanding the evolutionary dynamics of tick populations and their potential role in spreading tick-borne pathogens.

Pathogen Prevalence in Ticks

Molecular screening of ticks collected from different hosts (wildlife, domestic animals, and humans) in Guangxi has detected various pathogens, including:

1. 
   

   Bacteria

   
   
   
   
   
   • Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
   
   
   • Anaplasma spp. (anaplasmosis)
   
   
   • Rickettsia spp. (spotted fever group rickettsiosis)
   
   
   
   


2. 
   

   Protozoa

   
   
   
   
   
   • Babesia spp. (babesiosis)
   
   
   • Theileria spp. (theileriosis)
   
   
   
   


3. 
   

   Viruses

   
   
   
   
   
   • Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV)
   
   
   • Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)
   
   
   
   

The prevalence of these pathogens varies among tick species and geographic locations, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and intervention measures.

Public Health and Veterinary Implications

• Human Health Risks – Increased human-tick interactions due to deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion raise the likelihood of tick-borne disease outbreaks.


• Livestock and Wildlife Health – Pathogen-infected ticks can lead to economic losses in the livestock industry and impact wildlife populations.


• Surveillance and Control Strategies – Ongoing monitoring, vector control, and public awareness campaigns are essential to mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne diseases.

Conclusion

The study of tick species composition, genetic structure, and pathogen prevalence in Guangxi, China, provides valuable insights into tick ecology and disease epidemiology. Continued research and surveillance efforts are necessary to assess the potential threats posed by tick-borne pathogens and to develop effective prevention and control strategies.

https://zoonoses-journal.org/index.php/2025/01/16/tick-borne-pathogens-in-guangxi-china/