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Detection of Rickettsia and a Novel Haemaphysalis shimoga Symbiont Bacterium in Ticks in Thailand

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Abstract

In this study, we identified two Haemaphysalis species present at the Khao Yai National Park in Thailand and investigated the presence of rickettsia in these ticks. A total of 166 Haemaphysalis specimens were collected randomly under leaves along visitor paths at five locations in the park. Male and female adults of two different Haemaphysalis species, H. shimoga and H. lagrangei, were identified. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed Rickettsia bacteria in these two Haemaphysalis species; this study represents the first time such presence has been reported in Thailand. The infection rates of Rickettsia were in both H. shimoga (7.41%) and H. lagrangei (10.17%) at these locations in addition to two pools of Haemahysalis nymphs (28.57%). Furthermore, 25.93% of H. shimoga showed positive results that matched Haemaphysalis longicornis symbionts (92% sequence identity) and the Coxeilla burnetti 16S ribosomal RNA gene (90% sequence identity). We propose that this is a novel H. shimoga symbiont bacterium in Thailand and might be a novel Coxeilla-like agent or Coxeilla sp. found in H. shimoga. In contrast, we did not observe any Wolbachia bacteria, which also belong to the order Rickettsiales, in the same group of Haemaphysalis ticks. Furthermore, PCR was used to detect three other genera of bacteria, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Borrelia, none of which were identified in the Haemaphysalis ticks studied.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Biodiversity Research and Training Program (BRT T252060), the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Thailand research grant (SCY52-03), and the Thailand Research Fund and Office of the commission on Higher Education.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

    Arunee Ahantarig, Premnika Malaisri, Supanee Hirunkanokpun, Chalao Sumrandee, Wachareeporn Trinachartvanit & Visut Baimai

  2. Center of Excellence for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University at Salaya, Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand

    Arunee Ahantarig & Visut Baimai

  3. Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Dr., Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Supanee Hirunkanokpun

Authors
  1. Arunee Ahantarig
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  2. Premnika Malaisri
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  3. Supanee Hirunkanokpun
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  4. Chalao Sumrandee
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  5. Wachareeporn Trinachartvanit
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  6. Visut Baimai
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Correspondence to Wachareeporn Trinachartvanit.

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Ahantarig, A., Malaisri, P., Hirunkanokpun, S. et al. Detection of Rickettsia and a Novel Haemaphysalis shimoga Symbiont Bacterium in Ticks in Thailand. Curr Microbiol 62, 1496–1502 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-011-9887-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-011-9887-3

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