First detection and phylogenetic characterization of Jingmenvirus rhipicephali in cattle ticks from Yucatan, Mexico

Jingmenvirus rhipicephali (Flaviviridae; Jingmenvirus) are viruses found mainly in ticks (Ixodidae) which represent a global public health risk not only due to their worldwide distribution but also because of the diversity of vertebrate animals on which they have been found, including humans. The presence and distribution of Orthoflavivirus, Jingmenvirus, and other flavi-like viruses in ticks in Mexico have not yet been studied. In this study, 2033 ticks of the genera Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus, and Ixodes were collected from 215 domestic animals (cattle, dogs, and horses) living on ranches in the state of Yucatan, southeastern Mexico. Tick pools were used to detect the presence of Orthoflavivirus, Jingmenvirus, and other flavi-like virus RNA using RT-PCR and sequencing. Viral RNA was detected in nine tick pools collected from four cattle; of these nine pools, only Jingmenvirus rhipicephali was confirmed in one pool. The circulation of Jingmenvirus rhipicephali was demostrated in ticks infesting cattle in the region.