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Updated: Jul 1, 2026
Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: August 25, 2018
Comparative Analysis of Microbial Communities in Each Developmental Stage of Dermacentor nuttalli in Two Regions in
Li Zhao1,2, Xiao-Nan Dong1, Hao Cui1
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
Abstract:
Dermacentor is the most widely distributed tick genus in China. Dermacentor nuttalli, a predominant tick species in Inner Mongolia, can carry and transmit pathogenic microorganisms. Here, D. nuttalli were collected from Ordos (O-D) and Hinggan League (H-D) in the Inner Mongolia. D. nuttalli specimens at different developmental stages were subsequently reared under identical laboratory conditions. Sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, high-throughput sequencing, and microbial community analyses were conducted. Bacterial communities in O-D and H-D were annotated to 8 phyla, 145 genera and 16 phyla, 141 genera, respectively, with Proteobacteria showing the highest relative abundance. Differences in dominant bacterial genera were observed across developmental stages between the two regions. The most abundant bacterial species were Arsenophonus_uncultured_bacterium in O-D and Rickettsia japonica in H-D. Viral communities were annotated to 4 orders, 25 families, 61 genera, and 126 species in O-D and 6 orders, 28 families, 49 genera, 135 species in H-D. Notable difference in the viral genera with >1% abundance were identified at different developmental stages in the two regions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare microbial community compositions of D. nuttalli across developmental stages in two Inner Mongolian regions under under identical rearing conditions and to report the presence of R. japonica, Tacheng Tick Virus-2, and bovine viral diarrhea virus in D. nuttalli.
Insights
This study analyzed the bacterial and viral communities in Dermacentor nuttalli ticks from two Inner Mongolian regions. Significant differences in microbial composition were found between developmental stages and locations, with Rickettsia japonica identified as a key species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Microbial Ecology
- Tick-borne Pathogens
Background:
- Dermacentor nuttalli is a prevalent tick species in Inner Mongolia, capable of transmitting pathogens.
- Understanding the microbial communities within these ticks is crucial for assessing disease transmission risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the bacterial and viral community compositions of D. nuttalli from Ordos and Hinggan League in Inner Mongolia.
- To investigate variations in microbial communities across different developmental stages of D. nuttalli.
- To identify specific microbial species, including potential pathogens, within these ticks.
Main Methods:
- Collection of D. nuttalli ticks from two distinct regions in Inner Mongolia.
- Rearing of tick specimens under controlled laboratory conditions.
- High-throughput sequencing for comprehensive bacterial and viral community analysis.
Main Results:
- Proteobacteria was the most abundant bacterial phylum in both regions.
- Significant differences in dominant bacterial genera and viral genera were observed between developmental stages and geographical locations.
- Rickettsia japonica, Tacheng Tick Virus-2, and bovine viral diarrhea virus were identified in D. nuttalli.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first comparative analysis of D. nuttalli microbial communities across developmental stages in two Inner Mongolian regions under identical rearing conditions.
- The findings highlight regional and developmental variations in tick microbiota, with implications for understanding pathogen dynamics.
