Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Characterization of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Amblyomma javanense Ticks from Illegally Traded Malayan Pangolins
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Extraction of Saliva, Haemolymph, Salivary Glands, and Midgut from Individual Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)
Published on: October 31, 2025
Liyang Li1,2, Jieling Zhang1,2, Tingting Hu1
1School of Animal Science and Technology, Foshan University, Foshan, China.
Background:
The Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica) is a critically endangered species that may harbor diverse zoonotic pathogens. This study aimed to characterize tick species parasitizing confiscated Malayan pangolins and determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) associated with these ticks.
Methods:
We employed morphological and molecular approaches to identify ticks parasitizing pangolins confiscated in Guangdong Province between 2021 and 2024. A total of 435 adult ticks were collected from 32 pangolins and pooled into 87 groups (5 ticks per pool). Pooled tick samples were screened for SFGR by PCR targeting three rickettsial genes (gltA, ompA, and ompB), followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
Results:
All collected ticks were identified as Amblyomma javanense. The pool positivity rate for SFGR was 41.4% (36/87), with a minimum infection rate of 8.3% (36/435; 95% CI: 5.8-11.2%). Molecular characterization identified the detected agent as Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis (Ca. Rickettsia jingxinensis), an agent recently confirmed to infect humans.
Conclusion:
These findings provide baseline data for tick-borne pathogen surveillance in the context of pangolin conservation and illegal wildlife trade control, highlighting the potential public health relevance of the pangolin-tick interface.
Insights
Spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) were detected in Amblyomma javanense ticks from endangered Malayan pangolins. The identified agent, Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis, poses potential public health risks, emphasizing surveillance needs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Zoonotic Disease Research
- Wildlife Conservation
Background:
- Malayan pangolins (Manis javanica) are critically endangered and potential reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens.
- Understanding tick-borne diseases in wildlife is crucial for conservation and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify tick species on confiscated Malayan pangolins.
- To determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) in these ticks.
Main Methods:
- Morphological and molecular identification of ticks from confiscated pangolins (2021-2024).
- Screening of pooled tick samples (n=87) for SFGR using PCR and Sanger sequencing.
- Phylogenetic analysis to characterize the rickettsial agents.
Main Results:
- All ticks were identified as Amblyomma javanense.
- SFGR was detected in 41.4% of tick pools, with a minimum infection rate of 8.3%.
- The identified agent was Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis, a known human pathogen.
Conclusions:
- Tick-borne pathogen surveillance is vital for pangolin conservation and controlling illegal wildlife trade.
- The pangolin-tick interface presents significant public health implications due to the presence of Ca. Rickettsia jingxinensis.
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