Molecular surveillance reveals <i>Rickettsia aeschlimannii</i> in ticks from livestock in northwestern Iran: A short communication

Arthropod-borne rickettsial pathogens are affecting both human and animal health. Due to the lack of studies on tick-borne rickettsiae in this region, the present study aimed to investigate the molecular identity of Rickettsia spp. in ticks in Northwestern Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ardabil Province from January to December 2024. A total of 700 ticks were collected from livestock. DNA was extracted from pooled ticks, and PCR assays targeting the gltA and 16S rRNA genes were performed to detect Rickettsia spp.; positive PCR products were sequenced for confirmation (Pishgam, Iran). A total of 700 ticks belonging to nine species were isolated from livestock. Among these, Rhipicephalus bursa was the most common species. PCR detected Rickettsia DNA in 2 of 26 pools (7.7%), according to accession gene code: PV929760 and PV929761. According to our findings, R. aeschlimannii was detected in ticks from northwestern Iran. Livestock-associated ticks, including Rhipicephalus spp., are considered logical candidates for further study. Our study highlighted the need for continued surveillance using a One Health approach.