Prevalence, Morphological and Molecular Identification of Tick Species: A Potential Vector for CCHF Research Article

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalent tick species infesting different livestock animals in Pakistan. Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods that are widely distributed across the globe and are second only to mosquitoes in transmitting life-threatening infectious diseases. They serve as vectors of numerous viral, bacterial, and protozoal pathogens, including Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). A total of 389 tick specimens were collected, and the geographic coordinates of each sampling location were recorded using a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPSMAP Garmin 62S). Morphological identification was performed under stereo and electron microscopes using standard taxonomic keys, and specimens were classified according to genus, species, and sex. Out of the total 389 ticks examined, Hyalomma excavatum (n=110), Hyalomma dromedarii (n=169), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (n=105), Rhipicephalus microplus (n=2), and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (n=3) were identified. The prevalence of each species was as follows: H. appendiculatus 0.77%, R. decoloratus 27%, R. microplus 0.5%, H. dromedarii 43%, and H. excavatum 28%. Among these, H. dromedarii and H. excavatum were the most dominant species infesting livestock in the study areas. Given that these species are recognized as competent vectors for CCHF, their high prevalence, combined with the reported cases of CCHF in urban areas of Pakistan, underscores a significant public health risk. This risk may be amplified during Eid-ul-Adha due to increased human animal contact. This study may support strategies to control the spread of disease to the human population and particularly by adopting integrated approaches for the control of vectors in affected areas of Pakistan.