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Updated: Aug 8, 2025
07:21
Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: August 25, 2018
12.9K
Substantial viral and bacterial diversity at the bat-tick interface
Ayda Susana Ortiz-Baez1, Thomas G T Jaenson2, Edward C Holmes1
1Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, the University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
Microbial Genomics
|March 2, 2023
Summary
This study reveals a diverse range of novel RNA viruses and bacteria in soft ticks (Carios vespertilionis) from bats in Sweden. It highlights the potential for zoonotic disease transmission and the value of tick surveillance for public health.
Area of Science:
- Virology and Microbiology
- Ectoparasite Research
- Zoonotic Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Soft ticks like Carios vespertilionis are ectoparasites of bats and can harbor diverse microbial agents.
- Some bat-associated microbes may pose zoonotic risks to human health.
- The Soprano pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) is common in Europe and often found near human habitats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the RNA virome and bacterial microbiota of Carios vespertilionis ticks.
- To identify potential zoonotic viruses and bacteria associated with bat populations in Sweden.
- To assess the role of bat ectoparasites in microbial circulation.
Main Methods:
- Meta-transcriptomic sequencing of blood-fed Carios vespertilionis ticks.
- Collection of ticks from a Soprano pipistrelle bat roosting site in south-central Sweden.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify viral and bacterial sequences.
Main Results:
- Identification of 16 viruses from 11 families, with 15 being novel RNA viruses.
- First detection of Issuk-Kul virus in Sweden, a zoonotic virus linked to human febrile illness.
- Detection of known tick-borne bacteria genera, including Coxiella spp. and Rickettsia spp.
Conclusions:
- Carios vespertilionis ticks harbor a significant diversity of RNA viruses and bacteria.
- Bat ectoparasites serve as important reservoirs and potential vectors for zoonotic agents.
- Surveillance of bat-associated ticks is a valuable, non-invasive method for monitoring circulating pathogens.
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