Analysis of tick-borne pathogens using next-generation sequencing in ticks from wild animals in the Republic of Korea

Climate and anthropogenic changes have resulted in the growth of tick populations and tick-borne pathogens worldwide. Standardized surveillance systems are essential for novel tick-borne pathogens in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Analysis of blood-fed ticks suggests that zoonotic pathogens have the potential to circulate between ticks and wild animals in natural environments.

This study aimed to analyze blood-fed ticks from wild animals in the ROK and detect novel tick-borne pathogens in the ROK to develop effective surveillance systems and preventive strategies.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified 217 ticks with eight pooled samples collected from five wild mammals and 22 birds in five wildlife rescue centers and three bird banding stations in the ROK from February 2022 to May 2023.

After NGS, clean reads of 17,017,249-32,372,003 viruses, 116,996-289,716 bacteria, and 164,462-352,826 protozoa were obtained in each region. Several pathogens, including those in families such as Phenuiviridae, cause zoonotic diseases. This study identified 39 species, including 30 viruses, eight bacteria, and one protozoan, in 217 blood-feeding ticks from five wild mammals and 22 wild birds.

This study suggests that tick-borne zoonotic pathogens can circulate in ticks and animals and have potential transmission effects in humans. Hence, wild animals, including mammals and birds, may serve as reservoirs of zoonotic infection carriers.