Molecular detection and identification of Rickettsia spp. in collected ticks from domestic animals in Southeastern of Iran.

Ticks are considered as the reservoirs for pathogenic Rickettsia for humans and domestic animals. Recently, clinical cases of rickettsiosis have been reported from Iran and its surrounding countries. This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks in Southeastern Iran.All ticks were collected April to September 2019 from the domestic animals and stray dogs from different villages of Kerman province. For the primary detection of Rickettsia spp., Real-Time PCR was carried out on extracted DNA from ticks by targeting the 16 S rRNA gene. From the PCR-sequencing method of 16 S rRNA, citrate synthase (gltA), antigen 17 kDa, and ompA genes were used for identification of Rickettsia spp. in Real-Time PCR positive samples. A total of 185 ticks were examined and belonged to the genus Hyaloma and Rhipicephallus. Ticks with most frequencies included Rhipicephallus sanguineous (30.9%). In total, six samples (3.24%) were positive for Rickettsia spp. using the Real-Time PCR. According to the results of sequencing and phylogeny, samples were closely related to R. rhipicephali (2 samples) and R. massiliae (four samples). These results are important in the detection and epidemiology of Rickettsia spp. in Iran and indicate the necessity of detection and prevention approaches for rickettsiosis.