Molecular detection of rickettsiae in ticks collected from Testudo graeca tortoises in the West Azerbaijan province of northwestern Iran

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) in the epidemiology of rickettsial diseases in northwestern Iran. The research premise is that these tortoises, due to their widespread distribution and interaction with human-altered environments, can serve as key hosts for hard ticks (Hyalomma aegyptium), which are known vectors of zoonotic Rickettsia species, thereby constituting a risk to both public and veterinary health. Methods: The study collected ۲۳۴ ticks from the body surfaces of spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca), which were preserved in ethanol. All samples were transferred to the University of Urmia's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for analysis. Ticks of the genus Hyalomma were subjected to molecular screening for Rickettsia via Real-time PCR (۱۶SrRNA gene) and conventional PCR (gltA gene). Results: Molecular analysis confirmed Rickettsia infection in ticks collected from the tortoises, including specimens of Hyalomma aegyptium. Based on the results of this study, the molecular detection of Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected from spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) revealed an infection rate of ۵ (n=۲۳۴; ۲.۱۴%; ۹۵%Cl: ۰.۹۲%-۴.۹۱%) using Real-time PCR targeting the ۱۶SrRNA gene, whereas conventional PCR targeting the gltA gene showed a lower prevalence of ۲ (n=۲۳۴; ۰.۸۵%; ۹۵%Cl: ۰.۲۳%-۳.۰۵%). Conclusion: These findings confirm that spur-thighed tortoises serve as key reservoir hosts for Rickettsia-infected ticks within shared human livestock environments, underscoring a substantial public and veterinary health concern. Subsequent investigations should utilize advanced sequencing technologies and expanded wildlife surveillance to accurately determine the risk of rickettsial disease transmission.

کلیدواژه ها:

Wildlife ، Tick-Borne ، Zoonotic Diseases ، Rickettsia ، Real-Time PCR