Microbiome variation between male and female Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from camels in the UAE

Hyalomma dromedarii, a predominant camel tick species in the Arabian Peninsula, plays a significant role in pathogen transmission, yet its sex-specific microbiome composition remains poorly understood. This study analyzed the bacterial communities of male and female H. dromedarii ticks collected from camels across three locations in the United Arab Emirates: Al Khazna, Al Ja'ae, and Al Jabeeb. High throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed a total of 432,495 reads clustering into 848 operational taxonomic units, encompassing 20 phyla and 261 genera. Male ticks consistently exhibited higher microbial diversity and genus richness compared to females. Notably, Francisella dominated the female microbiome, accounting for over 90% of sequences in Al Ja'ae and Al Jabeeb, while males displayed a more balanced microbial profile, with genera such as Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Trueperella being prevalent. Pearson's correlation and principal coordinate analyses (PCoA) indicated distinct sex-based microbial associations and clustering patterns. These findings underscore sex-associated disparities in the microbiome of H. dromedarii, suggesting potential implications for tick physiology and vector competence within the One Health framework.