Detection of the 16S rRNA gene in ticks of the genus Ixodidae from animals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5377/ul.v17i2.22336Keywords:
Taxonomy, Molecular, Ectoparasites, Communities, LeónAbstract
Morphological characteristics are useful for distinguishing between soft and hard ticks, but numerous difficulties remain in taxonomic characterization between species and in determining the geographic origin of ticks. This study detected the 16S rRNA gene in ticks of the genus Ixodidae from animals. Five ticks per animal were collected from 130 cattle, 100 horses, and 20 dogs from farms located in eighteen communities in Leon Municipality. The ticks were extracted with forceps and placed in tubes containing 90% alcohol, then transported to the Microbiology Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine at UNAN – León. Taxonomic classification was performed using a stereomicroscope and morphometric keys from Fairchild et al. 1966 (Panama ticks (Acarina-ixodoidea) Graham B. Fairchild.pdf, n.d.) and Barros-Batesti (Arzua et al., 2005). Subsequently, DNA was extracted from the ticks (in groups of five, grouped by animal species and tick), using a commercial kit. For the PCR assay, an endpoint thermocycler and specific primers that detect the 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene were used. The tick species identified in cattle were Rhipicephalus boophilus microplus 93/130 (71.5%), Amblyomma cajennense 29/130 (22.3%), and Dermacentor nitens 8/130 (6.2%); in horses, Rhipicephalus boophilus microplus 51/100 (51%), Amblyomma cajennense 5/100 (5%), and Dermacentor nitens 44/100 (44%); and in dogs, Rhipicephalus sanguineus 19/20 (95%) and Amblyomma cajennense 1/20 (5%). According to PCR, all tick species belong to the family Ixoidae.
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