INTEGRATED SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND MOLECULAR DETECTION OF TICK-BORNE PATHOGENS IN Amblyomma javanense FROM SUNDA PANGOLINS, Manis javanica IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Anis Suhaila Taufik, Nurul Aini Husin, Justin Titti Anak Alison, Sazaly Abu Bakar, Mohammad Saiful Mansor, Zubaidah Ya’cob

Abstract


The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), a critically endangered species, is known to host the tick Amblyomma javanense. However, limited data exists on the tick-borne pathogens associated with this tick species in Malaysia. In this preliminary study, both morphological and molecular identification of A. javanense were performed, alongside molecular screening for tick-borne pathogens, using specimens collected from rescued pangolins in Peninsular Malaysia. Genomic DNA was extracted from individual ticks (n=122) and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the COI gene for tick species confirmation (n = 5), general bacterial 16S rRNA gene for bacterial detection (using one representative tick per host; n = 5), as well as conserved genes specific to Rickettsia spp. (gltA), Anaplasma spp. (16S rRNA), Ehrlichia spp. (gltA), Bartonella spp. (gltA), Trypanosoma spp. (ITS1), and Borrelia spp. (flaB). Molecular identification confirmed morphological identification, with all ticks identified as A. javanense. General bacterial amplification in one tick revealed dominance of Staphylococcus spp., a genus with potentially pathogenic members, though its role in tick-borne transmission is uncertain. No amplification was detected for any of the targeted pathogens. While no known tick-borne pathogens were detected, the presence of potentially relevant bacterial taxa highlights the need for continued surveillance. Given the risk of zoonotic spillover through illegal wildlife trade and close human–pangolin interactions, further studies with larger sample sizes, pathogen isolation, and host blood screening are essential to better understand the epidemiological role of A. javanense and its associated microbial communities.


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