Molecular characterization of livestock-associated ticks and tick-borne bacteria in Xinjiang, northwestern China

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Methods Between 2017 and 2018, we collected 6,172 ticks from cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs across 18 counties in Xinjiang. Tick species identification was performed through morphological examination and COI gene barcoding. Pooled samples (n = 55) were screened using PCR and sequencing targeting Rickettsia (gltA, ompA genes), Anaplasma (16S rRNA), Borrelia (groEL), and broad-range bacterial diversity (16S rRNA). Results Seven tick species were identified, with Alveonasus lahorensis (33.7%), Dermacentor marginatus (32.3%), and Rhipicephalus turanicus (19.7%) comprising the dominant species. Rickettsia DNA was detected in 28 of 55 pools (50.9%), with sequences showing relatedness to R. raoultii , R. massiliae , and R. barbariae . Anaplasma capra was identified in D. marginatus collected from goats (1.8% of pools), while Borrelia miyamotoi was detected in R. turanicus from sheep (1.8% of pools). Additional bacterial genera detected included Arsenophonus , Coxiella , and Francisella . Notably, R. massiliae was detected in both eggs and unfed larvae of R. turanicus , providing evidence of vertical transmission. Conclusions This study represents the first comprehensive molecular survey of livestock-associated ticks in Xinjiang, revealing high prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae and the presence of emerging tick-borne pathogens. Our findings underscore potential zoonotic risks within pastoral systems and emphasize the critical need for enhanced One Health surveillance strategies at the livestock–human interface in this region. tick Rickettsia Anaplasma Borrelia livestock Xinjiang Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 1 INTRODUCTION Ticks are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of significant medical and veterinary importance, serving as vectors for a diverse array of bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens that cause serious diseases in humans and animals (Manjunathachar et al., 2024 ). In recent decades, global warming, ecological changes, and intensified interactions among wildlife, livestock, and humans have accelerated the emergence and spread of tick-borne diseases worldwide (Rodríguez-Frías et al., 2021 ). China harbors more than 120 tick species, yet molecular surveillance of tick fauna and associated pathogens remains geographically uneven (Zhao et al., 2021 a). While northeastern provinces such as Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia have been relatively well-studied, northwestern pastoral regions have received considerably less attention, creating substantial knowledge gaps that compromise regional public health preparedness (Li et al., 2020 ). The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region represents a particularly critical ecological and epidemiological setting for tick-borne disease research. As China's largest pastoral region, Xinjiang borders eight countries and sustains extensive populations of cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs that experience heavy tick exposure (Li et al., 2024 ). The region's strategic geographical position at the crossroads of Central Asia suggests that local tick populations and associated pathogens may be influenced by transboundary ecological and epidemiological processes(Wang et al., 2025 ). While infections with spotted fever group Rickettsia and novel Anaplasma species have been documented in Xinjiang, comprehensive molecular surveys remain scarce. Evidence from neighboring Central Asian countries indicates substantial pathogen diversity, including Borrelia and emerging Anaplasma species, underscoring the urgent need for systematic assessments within Xinjiang (Tang et al., 2024 ; Yan et al., 2020 ). Several critical knowledge gaps persist regarding ticks and their associated pathogens in this region. Sequence-based confirmation of tick species across multiple counties remains limited, simultaneous screening for multiple bacterial genera has rarely been undertaken, and the potential for vertical transmission of rickettsiae in local tick populations has not been systematically investigated. To address these research needs within a One Health framework, we conducted a comprehensive molecular survey of livestock-associated ticks across 18 counties in Xinjiang. Our primary objectives were to characterize tick species composition using morphological identification and COI barcoding, to detect major bacterial pathogens ( Rickettsia , Anaplasma , and Borrelia ) through PCR amplification and phylogenetic validation, to assess broader bacterial diversity using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and to investigate potential vertical transmission patterns of Rickettsia species. 2 MATERIALS AND METHODS 2.1 Study Area and Sample Collection An ecological survey was conducted during 2017–2018 across the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (40°25′–49°10′N, 73°25′–96°23′E), employing a multistage stratified sampling design. Eighteen ecologically representative counties were selected to capture the region's diverse pastoral environments, including Aral, Hotan, Altay, Akto, Kuqa, Minfeng, Awat, Aksu, Shaya, Tumxuk, Turpan, Shufu, Jiashi, Kashgar, Shache, Xinyuan, Zhaosu, and Nileke (Fig. 1 ). Sampling targeted primary livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, horses) and companion animals (dogs) based on their epidemiological relevance for tick-borne pathogen transmission. To ensure adequate statistical power, sample size requirements were estimated based on an expected pathogen prevalence of 10–30% reported in Central Asian tick surveillance studies (Abdiyeva et al., 2020 ). Using 80% power and 95% confidence, the minimum sample size was calculated as 384 ticks per major species group. In practice, however, we aimed to maximize coverage across hosts and sites, and ultimately obtained 6,172 adult ticks by whole-body examination of livestock during peak activity (April–September). 2.2 Morphological and Molecular Species Identification Morphological identification was performed using an Olympus BX53 optical microscope at 400× magnification following standard taxonomic keys (Zárate-Rendón et al., 2022 ). For molecular validation, 10% of specimens per morphologically identified species (n = 617) underwent COI barcoding. Genomic DNA was extracted with the AllPrep DNA/RNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Shenzhen, China), and COI fragments (658 bp) were amplified (primers in Table 2 ). Amplicons were sequenced bidirectionally and analyzed for phylogenetic confirmation. Table 1 Counts of tick species collected from the sampling sites around XinJiang during 2017 and 2018 No. of Sampling sites County Host Tick Species Tick No. Pooled tick group 1 Aral Sheep R.turanicus 323 1 Dogs R.turanicus 3 2 2 Hotan Sheep A.lahorensis 54 3 Cattle H.sulcata 153 4 3 Altay Cattle D.marginatus 58 5 4 Akto Sheep R.turanicus 57 6 Sheep A.lahorensis 39 7 5 Kuqa Sheep A.lahorensis 86 8 Sheep A.lahorensis 55 9 Sheep A.lahorensis 39 10 Sheep A.lahorensis 116 11 Sheep A.lahorensis 148 12 Sheep A.lahorensis 96 13 Sheep R.turanicus 63 14 Cattle D.marginatus 109 15 6 Minfeng Sheep A.lahorensis 57 16 7 Awat Dogs R.turanicus 54 17 Dogs R.turanicus 39 18 Sheep R.turanicus 125 19 Dogs R.turanicus 7 20 Goat R.turanicus 131 21 Sheep R.turanicus 71 22 8 Aksu Dogs R.turanicus 14 23 Dogs R.turanicus 9 24 9 Shaya Goat D.marginatus 283 25 Goat H.asiaticum 247 26 Goat D.marginatus 79 27 10 Tumxuk Cattle R.turanicus 37 28 11 Turpan Sheep A.lahorensis 99 29 12 Shufu Sheep A.lahorensis 82 30 Sheep A.lahorensis 47 31 13 Jiashi Sheep A.lahorensis 150 32 Sheep A.lahorensis 60 33 Sheep A.lahorensis 110 34 Sheep R.turanicus 245 35 14 Kashgar Sheep R.turanicus 35 36 Sheep A.lahorensis 79 37 Sheep R.sanguineus 75 38 Sheep A.lahorensis 46 39 Sheep A.lahorensis 54 40 Sheep A.lahorensis 80 41 Sheep A.lahorensis 80 42 Sheep A.lahorensis 60 43 15 Shache Cattle R.sanguineus 63 44 16 Xinyuan Sheep D.marginatus 30 45 Horse D.marginatus 300 46 Sheep D.marginatus 280 47 Sheep A.lahorensis 100 48 Sheep D.silvarum 72 49 Sheep D.marginatus 137 50 Sheep D.silvarum 280 51 Sheep D.marginatus 160 52 17 Zhaosu Sheep D.marginatus 180 53 18 Nileke Sheep D.marginatus 376 54 Sheep A.lahorensis 340 55 *Each sample group contributed one pool of six adult ticks for pathogen screening Table 2 Primers for ticks and tick-borne pathogens detection. Organism Gene name Primer name Primer sequence 5′ to 3′ Approximate amplicon/bp Ticks COI Tick COI -F GTTCAACAAATCATAAAGATATTGG 658bp Tick COI -R TAAACTTCAGGGTGACCAAAAAATCA Rickettsia spp. gltA R- gltA -F ATGACCAATGAAAATAATAAT 1060bp R- gltA -R ATTGCAAAAAGTACAGTGAACA ompA R-omp-F ATGGCGAATATTTCTCCAAAA 491bp R-omp-R AGTGCAGCATTCGCTCCCCCT Anaplasma spp. 16S rRNA AC-F GGTACCYACAGAAGAAGTCC 344bp AC-R TAGCACTCATCGTTTACAGC Borrelia spp. groEL Bo-F TACGATTTCTTATGTTGAGGG 310bp Bo-R CATTGCTTTTCGTCTATCACC Multiple Bacterial 16S rRNA Ba-F CTAHAGGGTATCTAATCCT 789bp Ba-R GAGTTTGATCMTGGCTCAG 2.3 Pooling Strategy and Nucleic Acid Extraction For pathogen detection, ticks were pooled by species, host, site, stage, and date. Each pool contained six individuals, a design shown to balance sensitivity and cost in similar tick-borne pathogen surveys (Wyk et al., 2022 ). A total of 55 pools (330 ticks) were prepared. Ticks were surface-sterilized in 5% bromogeramine, 75% ethanol, and PBS (15 min each), then air-dried. Specimens were homogenized under sterile conditions. DNA was extracted using the AllPrep DNA/RNA Mini Kit and eluted in 100 µL; RNA was reverse-transcribed with PrimeScript RTase (Takara, Beijing, China). Extracts were stored at − 20°C (DNA) or − 80°C (cDNA). 2.4 PCR Amplification and Quality Control Target genes included Rickettsia (gltA, ompA), Anaplasma (16S rRNA), Borrelia (groEL), and broad-range bacterial 16S rRNA (Table 2 ). Each PCR batch contained positive controls (reference DNA), negative controls (PCR-grade water), and extraction blanks. Laboratory workflow strictly separated pre- and post-PCR areas to avoid contamination. PCR reactions were 25 µL with 2× Master Mix, 10 µM primers, and 2 µL template DNA. Thermal cycling conditions followed published protocols optimized per target. Products were visualized on 1.5% agarose gels and positive amplicons sequenced on an ABI 3730xl platform. 2.5 Sequence Analysis and Phylogenetic Reconstruction Sequences were trimmed, assembled in SeqMan Pro (DNASTAR), and compared with GenBank references using BLAST. Multiple sequence alignments were generated in MEGA X using ClustalW algorithm (Adedeji et al., 2022 ). Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using the Neighbor-Joining method with Kimura 2-parameter model. Nodal support was assessed with 1,000 bootstrap replicates, and trees were rooted using appropriate outgroup sequences(Zhang et al., 2024 ). 2.6 Statistical Analysis Pool positivity (proportion of positive pools) was calculated with 95% Wilson confidence intervals. Minimal infection rates (MIRs) were estimated where appropriate using the formula: MIR = (positive pools × 100) / total ticks tested (Ortega-Morales et al., 2019 ). Associations between pathogen detection and tick species, host animals, or geographic locations were evaluated using χ² tests or Fisher's exact tests where cell counts were < 5. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. All analyses were performed using R software version 4.2.0. 2.7 Vertical Transmission Investigation To investigate potential vertical transmission, a subset of R. turanicus females collected from cattle in Kashgar were maintained in laboratory conditions. Eggs were collected aseptically and allowed to develop into unfed larvae. Both egg masses and newly hatched larvae were processed for DNA extraction and PCR screening using the same protocols described above. 3 RESULTS 3.1 Tick Species Composition and Host Associations Seven species across five genera were confirmed from 6,172 adults: Alveonasus lahorensis (2,077; 33.7%), Dermacentor marginatus (1,992; 32.3%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (1,213; 19.7%), D. silvarum (352; 5.7%), Hyalomma asiaticum (247; 4.0%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (153; 2.5%), and R. sanguineus (138; 2.2%). COI barcoding confirmed morphological identifications with > 98% sequence similarity to reference strains (Fig. 2 ). Species-host associations varied significantly (χ² = 245.7, df = 24, p < 0.001). D. marginatus dominated large ungulates (cattle: 58.9%, sheep: 41.1%), A. lahorensis was predominantly found on sheep (96.2%), and R. turanicus exhibited the broadest host range across all livestock species (Table 3 ). Table 3 Summary of tick species identified and their host associations Species Total No. Percentage (%) Host Distribution Counties Detected Alveonasus lahorensis 2,077 33.7 Sheep (96.2%), Cattle (3.8%) 12 counties Dermacentor marginatus 1,992 32.3 Sheep (58.9%), Cattle (35.4%), Horse (5.7%) 6 counties Rhipicephalus turanicus 1,213 19.7 Sheep (52.1%), Goats (31.2%), Dogs (14.2%), Cattle (2.5%) 9 counties Dermacentor silvarum 352 5.7 Sheep (100%) 1 county Hyalomma asiaticum 247 4.0 Goats (100%) 1 county Haemaphysalis sulcata 153 2.5 Cattle (100%) 1 county Rhipicephalus sanguineus 138 2.2 Sheep (54.3%), Cattle (45.7%) 2 county Total 6172 100 18 counties 3.2 Pathogen Detection and Prevalence 3.2.1. Rickettsia spp. Rickettsia DNA was detected in 28/55 pools (50.9%; 95% CI: 38.1–63.6%). Phylogenetic analysis of gltA and ompA sequences revealed three distinct spotted fever group species (Fig. 3 ): R. raoultii (12 pools, 43.0%), R. massiliae (10 pools, 35.7%), and R. barbariae (6 pools, 21.4%). Geographic analysis showed R. raoultii predominance in northern counties (Altay, Xinyuan, Zhaosu), while R. massiliae was more frequent in southern regions (Kashgar, Aksu, Awat). 3.2.2 Anaplasma spp. Anaplasma capra was detected in one pool of D. marginatus collected from goats in Shaya County (1/55 pools, 1.8%; 95% CI: 0.1–9.4%). The 16S rRNA sequence (GenBank: PV875542) showed 99.7% identity with reference A. capra strains and clustered with high bootstrap support (100%) in phylogenetic analysis (Fig. 4 ). 3.2.3 Borrelia spp. Borrelia miyamotoi was identified in one pool of R. turanicus from sheep in Aral County (1/55 pools, 1.8%; 95% CI: 0.1–9.4%). The groEL sequence (GenBank: PV936263) demonstrated 100% identity with B. miyamotoi reference strains from Asia with strong phylogenetic support (Fig. 5 ). 3.2.4 Additional Bacterial Diversity Broad-range 16S rRNA screening identified five bacterial genera from pooled samples (Table 4 ): Vibrio species in R. turanicus from sheep; Coxiella species in R. turanicus from dogs; Francisella species in H. asiaticum from goats; Arsenophonus species in D. marginatus from cattle and sheep; and Psychrobacter species in D. marginatus from goats and A. lahorensis from sheep. Table 4 Tick-borne bacterial pathogens detected in different tick species and their hosts Pathogen Species Tick Species Host Pooled tick group GenBank accession No. Vibrio spp. R.turanicus Sheep 6 PX129236 Coxiella spp. R.turanicus Dogs 17 PX129231 Francisella spp. H.asiaticum Goat 26 PX129237 Arsenophonus spp. D.marginatus Cattle 15 PX129256 D.marginatus Sheep 47 PX129257 Psychrobacter spp. D.marginatus Goat 27 PX129542 A.lahorensis Sheep 32 PX129541 3.3 Evidence for Vertical Transmission Laboratory-maintained R. turanicus females produced viable eggs that developed into larvae. R. massiliae DNA was detected in both egg masses (3/5 tested positive) and unfed newly hatched larvae (4/6 tested positive) using gltA-specific PCR. Sequences (GenBank: PX233672) showed 99.7% identity with reference R. massiliae strains, providing direct molecular evidence for vertical transmission. 4 DISCUSSION This study provides molecular characterization of livestock-associated ticks and their bacterial pathogens in Xinjiang, northwestern China. The findings include high prevalence of spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia, detection of Anaplasma capra and Borrelia miyamotoi, and molecular evidence of vertical transmission of Rickettsia massiliae in Rhipicephalus turanicus. These results expand knowledge of pathogen circulation in pastoral ecosystems at the China–Central Asia interface and have important implications for animal and human health (Zhao et al., 2020 ). The prevalence of SFG Rickettsia detected in this study (50.9%) substantially exceeds levels reported from Inner Mongolia or Heilongjiang and is comparable to those observed in Central Asia(Boldbaatar et al., 2017 ; Jiao et al., 2021 ; 程成 et al., 2019). The spatial distribution pattern, with R. raoultii predominating in northern counties and R. massiliae in southern areas, suggests that ecological gradients shape pathogen distribution across Xinjiang. Both species are recognized human pathogens associated with tick-borne lymphadenopathy and Mediterranean spotted fever-like illness, respectively(Gajda et al., 2017 ; Socolovschi et al., 2009 ). The elevated prevalence indicates considerable exposure risks in pastoral settings and emphasizes the importance of enhanced surveillance and clinical awareness in the region. The detection of A. capra in Dermacentor marginatus from goats represents an important epidemiological observation. Since its identification in China in 2015, A. capra has been associated with human febrile illness across Asia (Altay et al., 2024 ; Li et al., 2015 ; Lin et al., 2023 ). The widespread distribution of goats in Xinjiang and their frequent interaction with humans provides a plausible pathway for zoonotic transmission (Ma et al., 2024 ). Although the prevalence observed here was relatively low, its presence indicates the need for integrated veterinary and public health monitoring, particularly given that infections may be underdiagnosed due to nonspecific clinical symptoms (Shi et al., 2019 ). The detection of B. miyamotoi in R. turanicus from sheep extends the known distribution of this relapsing fever spirochete within China (Duan et al., 2025 ). Unlike Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, which causes Lyme borreliosis, B. miyamotoi is increasingly recognized as a human pathogen responsible for hard tick-borne relapsing fever (Cleveland et al., 2023 ; Jiang et al., 2018 ). Its presence in Xinjiang suggests that healthcare providers should consider B. miyamotoi in differential diagnoses of tick-associated febrile illness. Given its clinical overlap with other infections, misdiagnosis may occur, reinforcing the necessity for comprehensive epidemiological studies in both human and livestock populations (Gao et al., 2021 ). Beyond these recognized pathogens, several bacterial genera were identified, including Arsenophonus, Psychrobacter, Coxiella, Vibrio, and Francisella. While some may function as endosymbionts, others could influence tick physiology or pathogen interactions (Kolo and Raghavan, 2023 ). Their ecological significance remains to be elucidated, but their detection reflects the complexity of tick microbiomes (Bonnet et al., 2017 ). Future metagenomic approaches will be essential to clarify their roles and interactions with pathogenic species (Ravi et al., 2019 ). A significant finding of this study is the demonstration of vertical transmission of R. massiliae. The detection of pathogen DNA in eggs and unfed larvae of R. turanicus provides molecular evidence that transovarial maintenance contributes to pathogen persistence (Olivieri et al., 2018 ). This mechanism may explain the relatively high prevalence of R. massiliae in field-collected samples and is consistent with reports from the Mediterranean basin (Segura et al., 2014 ). Incorporating vertical transmission dynamics into models of pathogen ecology will enhance understanding of long-term maintenance in local tick populations (Eremeeva and Dasch, 2015 ). Overall, these findings highlight the importance of a One Health perspective in Xinjiang, where livestock act both as tick hosts and as amplifiers of zoonotic pathogens. Strengthened animal-based surveillance could serve as an early-warning system for emerging infections in humans, while cross-border monitoring is particularly critical given Xinjiang’s geographical position within Central Asia (Konan et al., 2021 ). Several limitations should be noted. The pooling strategy may have underestimated infection rates, particularly for pathogens present at low prevalence (Kjær et al., 2020 ). The cross-sectional design also restricted assessment of seasonal variation, which may influence circulation patterns. Finally, pathogen DNA detection alone cannot confirm vector competence, and experimental transmission studies are required to establish epidemiological relevance. 5 CONCLUSIONS Seven tick species parasitize livestock in Xinjiang, with three dominant taxa accounting for > 85% of specimens. Sequence-confirmed detection of spotted fever group Rickettsia , A. capra , and B. miyamotoi highlights the circulation of zoonotic pathogens in pastoral settings. Importantly, molecular evidence for vertical transmission of R. massiliae demonstrates efficient maintenance in tick populations. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive molecular baseline for northwestern China and emphasize the critical need for strengthened One Health surveillance to mitigate zoonotic disease risks in pastoral communities. Declarations Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Ethics Statement This study was carried out in strict accordance with international standards as published in the “Guide to the feeding, management and use of experimental animals” (8th Edition) and follows the “Regulations on the management of experimental animals” and other relevant laws and regulations. The biomedical research ethics committee of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University specifically approved this study (No. 2020[081]). In addition, permission was obtained from the farm owners before the specimens were collected, and all efforts were made to minimize suffering. Funding This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 32260887). Author Contribution Conceptualization: H.P.T., Y.H.L., and L.Z. Data collection: H.P.T., X.N.D., J.M.K., N.B., Y.S.Z., Z.H.Q., Z.X.L., Z.L.Z., H.D.W and X.Y.Z. Laboratory analysis: H.P.T., X.N.D., J.M.K., and Y.L.D. Statistical analysis: H.P.T. and L.Z. Writing - original draft: H.P.T. Writing - review & editing: Y.H.L. and L.Z. Funding acquisition: Y.H.L. and L.Z. Acknowledgments Not applicable. Data Availability Representative sequences have been deposited in GenBank under accession numbers PV875509-PV875515 ( *COI* tick sequences), PV936264-PV932627 ( *gltA Rickettsia* sequences), PV936268-PV932671 ( *ompA Rickettsia* sequences), PV875542 (16S rRNA *Anaplasma* sequences), and PV936263 ( *groEL Borrelia* sequences). Additional data supporting the conclusions are available from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request. 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Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 02 Dec, 2025 Read the published version in Parasites & Vectors → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 19 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 09 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 28 Sep, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 21 Sep, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 20 Sep, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 16 Sep, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 16 Sep, 2025 First submitted to journal 12 Sep, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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13:36:23","extension":"xml","order_by":22,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":152556,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"24783e98676c40cc88f3da8bff74bbfd1structuring.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7604179/v1/db09499ca46334d39497e1dc.xml"},{"id":92597571,"identity":"ad10d2f5-d634-4a0f-bee3-d772785e31a7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-01 13:36:23","extension":"html","order_by":23,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":160091,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7604179/v1/8b7bb52f936eec993e71242c.html"},{"id":92598978,"identity":"04f31d64-78f8-4872-aa86-2ae6b48ea85b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-01 13:52:22","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":815487,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSampling sites in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Fig1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7604179/v1/44da231fb0c4d9c545d0ef0f.png"},{"id":92598459,"identity":"cfe4db25-97eb-402c-bfae-135dc6b7798f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-01 13:44:23","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":288675,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhylogenetic analysis of ticks based on COI nucleotide sequences. Sequences obtained in this study are marked with red triangles before their names.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Fig2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7604179/v1/04823a04d82be542d42f5eee.png"},{"id":92598457,"identity":"72604e49-15b0-4c4c-b4ce-1c683f850320","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-01 13:44:22","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":168947,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhylogenetic analysis of ticks based on COI nucleotide sequences. Sequences obtained in this study are marked with red triangles before their names.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Fig3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7604179/v1/5ad7ae0a0a3ec85b281a25b2.png"},{"id":92597545,"identity":"c480abd2-b68a-45a8-9a0a-681a6614c78a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-01 13:36:22","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":271929,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhylogenetic analysis of ticks based on COI nucleotide sequences. Sequences obtained in this study are marked with red triangles before their names.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Fig4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7604179/v1/466b2abc8dc5bdc60e43049d.png"},{"id":92597555,"identity":"cd7a61e6-39f1-4bd5-847e-1d524b3c3c63","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-01 13:36:23","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":107960,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhylogenetic analysis of ticks based on COI nucleotide sequences. Sequences obtained in this study are marked with red triangles before their names.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Fig5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7604179/v1/7af0e51fd01a642886eeb14d.png"},{"id":97723945,"identity":"9dd9d79e-90f9-4525-8aa4-20976b12625b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-08 16:10:01","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2702314,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7604179/v1/e69b9e1b-a2a9-4f84-9289-cce378553ecf.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Molecular characterization of livestock-associated ticks and tick-borne bacteria in Xinjiang, northwestern China","fulltext":[{"header":"1 INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eTicks are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of significant medical and veterinary importance, serving as vectors for a diverse array of bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens that cause serious diseases in humans and animals (Manjunathachar et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). In recent decades, global warming, ecological changes, and intensified interactions among wildlife, livestock, and humans have accelerated the emergence and spread of tick-borne diseases worldwide (Rodr\u0026iacute;guez-Fr\u0026iacute;as et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). China harbors more than 120 tick species, yet molecular surveillance of tick fauna and associated pathogens remains geographically uneven (Zhao et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003ea). While northeastern provinces such as Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia have been relatively well-studied, northwestern pastoral regions have received considerably less attention, creating substantial knowledge gaps that compromise regional public health preparedness (Li et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region represents a particularly critical ecological and epidemiological setting for tick-borne disease research. As China's largest pastoral region, Xinjiang borders eight countries and sustains extensive populations of cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs that experience heavy tick exposure (Li et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). The region's strategic geographical position at the crossroads of Central Asia suggests that local tick populations and associated pathogens may be influenced by transboundary ecological and epidemiological processes(Wang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). While infections with spotted fever group \u003cem\u003eRickettsia\u003c/em\u003e and novel \u003cem\u003eAnaplasma\u003c/em\u003e species have been documented in Xinjiang, comprehensive molecular surveys remain scarce. Evidence from neighboring Central Asian countries indicates substantial pathogen diversity, including \u003cem\u003eBorrelia\u003c/em\u003e and emerging \u003cem\u003eAnaplasma\u003c/em\u003e species, underscoring the urgent need for systematic assessments within Xinjiang (Tang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Yan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeveral critical knowledge gaps persist regarding ticks and their associated pathogens in this region. Sequence-based confirmation of tick species across multiple counties remains limited, simultaneous screening for multiple bacterial genera has rarely been undertaken, and the potential for vertical transmission of rickettsiae in local tick populations has not been systematically investigated. To address these research needs within a One Health framework, we conducted a comprehensive molecular survey of livestock-associated ticks across 18 counties in Xinjiang. Our primary objectives were to characterize tick species composition using morphological identification and COI barcoding, to detect major bacterial pathogens (\u003cem\u003eRickettsia\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eAnaplasma\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eBorrelia\u003c/em\u003e) through PCR amplification and phylogenetic validation, to assess broader bacterial diversity using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and to investigate potential vertical transmission patterns of \u003cem\u003eRickettsia\u003c/em\u003e species.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 MATERIALS AND METHODS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.1 Study Area and Sample Collection\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn ecological survey was conducted during 2017\u0026ndash;2018 across the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (40\u0026deg;25\u0026prime;\u0026ndash;49\u0026deg;10\u0026prime;N, 73\u0026deg;25\u0026prime;\u0026ndash;96\u0026deg;23\u0026prime;E), employing a multistage stratified sampling design. Eighteen ecologically representative counties were selected to capture the region's diverse pastoral environments, including Aral, Hotan, Altay, Akto, Kuqa, Minfeng, Awat, Aksu, Shaya, Tumxuk, Turpan, Shufu, Jiashi, Kashgar, Shache, Xinyuan, Zhaosu, and Nileke (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Sampling targeted primary livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, horses) and companion animals (dogs) based on their epidemiological relevance for tick-borne pathogen transmission.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo ensure adequate statistical power, sample size requirements were estimated based on an expected pathogen prevalence of 10\u0026ndash;30% reported in Central Asian tick surveillance studies (Abdiyeva et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Using 80% power and 95% confidence, the minimum sample size was calculated as 384 ticks per major species group. In practice, however, we aimed to maximize coverage across hosts and sites, and ultimately obtained 6,172 adult ticks by whole-body examination of livestock during peak activity (April\u0026ndash;September).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.2 Morphological and Molecular Species Identification\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMorphological identification was performed using an Olympus BX53 optical microscope at 400\u0026times; magnification following standard taxonomic keys (Z\u0026aacute;rate-Rend\u0026oacute;n et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). For molecular validation, 10% of specimens per morphologically identified species (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;617) underwent COI barcoding. Genomic DNA was extracted with the AllPrep DNA/RNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Shenzhen, China), and COI fragments (658 bp) were amplified (primers in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Amplicons were sequenced bidirectionally and analyzed for phylogenetic confirmation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCounts of tick species collected from the sampling sites around XinJiang during 2017 and 2018\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. of Sampling sites\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCounty\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHost\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTick Species\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTick No.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePooled tick group\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" 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colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAltay\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCattle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAkto\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"7\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"7\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKuqa\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e116\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e148\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCattle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e109\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMinfeng\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAwat\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDogs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDogs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDogs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoat\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e131\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAksu\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDogs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDogs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShaya\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoat\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e283\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoat\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eH.asiaticum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e247\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoat\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTumxuk\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCattle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTurpan\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e99\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShufu\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eJiashi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e245\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"7\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"7\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKashgar\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.sanguineus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShache\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCattle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.sanguineus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"7\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"7\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eXinyuan\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHorse\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e300\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e280\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.silvarum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e137\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.silvarum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e280\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e160\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eZhaosu\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e180\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNileke\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e376\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e340\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e*Each sample group contributed one pool of six adult ticks for pathogen screening\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimers for ticks and tick-borne pathogens detection.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrganism\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGene name\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimer name\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimer sequence 5\u0026prime; to 3\u0026prime;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eApproximate amplicon/bp\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTicks\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCOI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTick \u003cem\u003eCOI\u003c/em\u003e-F\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGTTCAACAAATCATAAAGATATTGG\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e658bp\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTick \u003cem\u003eCOI\u003c/em\u003e-R\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTAAACTTCAGGGTGACCAAAAAATCA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRickettsia\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003egltA\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eR-\u003cem\u003egltA\u003c/em\u003e-F\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eATGACCAATGAAAATAATAAT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1060bp\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eR-\u003cem\u003egltA\u003c/em\u003e-R\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eATTGCAAAAAGTACAGTGAACA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eompA\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eR-omp-F\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eATGGCGAATATTTCTCCAAAA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e491bp\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eR-omp-R\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAGTGCAGCATTCGCTCCCCCT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnaplasma\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e16S rRNA\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAC-F\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGGTACCYACAGAAGAAGTCC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e344bp\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAC-R\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTAGCACTCATCGTTTACAGC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBorrelia\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003egroEL\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBo-F\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTACGATTTCTTATGTTGAGGG\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e310bp\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBo-R\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCATTGCTTTTCGTCTATCACC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMultiple Bacterial\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e16S rRNA\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBa-F\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCTAHAGGGTATCTAATCCT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e789bp\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBa-R\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGAGTTTGATCMTGGCTCAG\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.3 Pooling Strategy and Nucleic Acid Extraction\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor pathogen detection, ticks were pooled by species, host, site, stage, and date. Each pool contained six individuals, a design shown to balance sensitivity and cost in similar tick-borne pathogen surveys (Wyk et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). A total of 55 pools (330 ticks) were prepared.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTicks were surface-sterilized in 5% bromogeramine, 75% ethanol, and PBS (15 min each), then air-dried. Specimens were homogenized under sterile conditions. DNA was extracted using the AllPrep DNA/RNA Mini Kit and eluted in 100 \u0026micro;L; RNA was reverse-transcribed with PrimeScript RTase (Takara, Beijing, China). Extracts were stored at \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;20\u0026deg;C (DNA) or \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;80\u0026deg;C (cDNA).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.4 PCR Amplification and Quality Control\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTarget genes included Rickettsia (gltA, ompA), Anaplasma (16S rRNA), Borrelia (groEL), and broad-range bacterial 16S rRNA (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Each PCR batch contained positive controls (reference DNA), negative controls (PCR-grade water), and extraction blanks. Laboratory workflow strictly separated pre- and post-PCR areas to avoid contamination.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePCR reactions were 25 \u0026micro;L with 2\u0026times; Master Mix, 10 \u0026micro;M primers, and 2 \u0026micro;L template DNA. Thermal cycling conditions followed published protocols optimized per target. Products were visualized on 1.5% agarose gels and positive amplicons sequenced on an ABI 3730xl platform.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.5 Sequence Analysis and Phylogenetic Reconstruction\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSequences were trimmed, assembled in SeqMan Pro (DNASTAR), and compared with GenBank references using BLAST. Multiple sequence alignments were generated in MEGA X using ClustalW algorithm (Adedeji et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using the Neighbor-Joining method with Kimura 2-parameter model. Nodal support was assessed with 1,000 bootstrap replicates, and trees were rooted using appropriate outgroup sequences(Zhang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.6 Statistical Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePool positivity (proportion of positive pools) was calculated with 95% Wilson confidence intervals. Minimal infection rates (MIRs) were estimated where appropriate using the formula: MIR = (positive pools \u0026times; 100) / total ticks tested (Ortega-Morales et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Associations between pathogen detection and tick species, host animals, or geographic locations were evaluated using χ\u0026sup2; tests or Fisher's exact tests where cell counts were \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;5. Statistical significance was set at α\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.05. All analyses were performed using R software version 4.2.0.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.7 Vertical Transmission Investigation\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo investigate potential vertical transmission, a subset of \u003cem\u003eR. turanicus\u003c/em\u003e females collected from cattle in Kashgar were maintained in laboratory conditions. Eggs were collected aseptically and allowed to develop into unfed larvae. Both egg masses and newly hatched larvae were processed for DNA extraction and PCR screening using the same protocols described above.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3 RESULTS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.1 Tick Species Composition and Host Associations\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeven species across five genera were confirmed from 6,172 adults: \u003cem\u003eAlveonasus lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e (2,077; 33.7%), \u003cem\u003eDermacentor marginatus\u003c/em\u003e (1,992; 32.3%), \u003cem\u003eRhipicephalus turanicus\u003c/em\u003e (1,213; 19.7%), \u003cem\u003eD. silvarum\u003c/em\u003e (352; 5.7%), \u003cem\u003eHyalomma asiaticum\u003c/em\u003e (247; 4.0%), \u003cem\u003eHaemaphysalis sulcata\u003c/em\u003e (153; 2.5%), and \u003cem\u003eR. sanguineus\u003c/em\u003e (138; 2.2%). COI barcoding confirmed morphological identifications with \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;98% sequence similarity to reference strains (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Species-host associations varied significantly (χ\u0026sup2; = 245.7, df\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;24, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). \u003cem\u003eD. marginatus\u003c/em\u003e dominated large ungulates (cattle: 58.9%, sheep: 41.1%), \u003cem\u003eA. lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e was predominantly found on sheep (96.2%), and \u003cem\u003eR. turanicus\u003c/em\u003e exhibited the broadest host range across all livestock species (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSummary of tick species identified and their host associations\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecies\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal No.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHost Distribution\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCounties Detected\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlveonasus lahorensis\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,077\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep (96.2%), Cattle (3.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12 counties\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDermacentor marginatus\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1,992\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep (58.9%), Cattle (35.4%), Horse (5.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 counties\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRhipicephalus turanicus\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1,213\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep (52.1%), Goats (31.2%), Dogs (14.2%), Cattle (2.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9 counties\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDermacentor silvarum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e352\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep (100%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 county\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHyalomma asiaticum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e247\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoats (100%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 county\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHaemaphysalis sulcata\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e153\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCattle (100%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 county\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRhipicephalus sanguineus\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e138\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep (54.3%), Cattle (45.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 county\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6172\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18 counties\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.2 Pathogen Detection and Prevalence\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.2.1. \u003cem\u003eRickettsia\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRickettsia\u003c/em\u003e DNA was detected in 28/55 pools (50.9%; 95% CI: 38.1\u0026ndash;63.6%). Phylogenetic analysis of gltA and ompA sequences revealed three distinct spotted fever group species (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e): \u003cem\u003eR. raoultii\u003c/em\u003e (12 pools, 43.0%), \u003cem\u003eR. massiliae\u003c/em\u003e (10 pools, 35.7%), and \u003cem\u003eR. barbariae\u003c/em\u003e (6 pools, 21.4%). Geographic analysis showed \u003cem\u003eR. raoultii\u003c/em\u003e predominance in northern counties (Altay, Xinyuan, Zhaosu), while \u003cem\u003eR. massiliae\u003c/em\u003e was more frequent in southern regions (Kashgar, Aksu, Awat).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.2.2 \u003cem\u003eAnaplasma\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnaplasma capra\u003c/em\u003e was detected in one pool of \u003cem\u003eD. marginatus\u003c/em\u003e collected from goats in Shaya County (1/55 pools, 1.8%; 95% CI: 0.1\u0026ndash;9.4%). The 16S rRNA sequence (GenBank: PV875542) showed 99.7% identity with reference \u003cem\u003eA. capra\u003c/em\u003e strains and clustered with high bootstrap support (100%) in phylogenetic analysis (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.2.3 \u003cem\u003eBorrelia\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBorrelia miyamotoi\u003c/em\u003e was identified in one pool of \u003cem\u003eR. turanicus\u003c/em\u003e from sheep in Aral County (1/55 pools, 1.8%; 95% CI: 0.1\u0026ndash;9.4%). The groEL sequence (GenBank: PV936263) demonstrated 100% identity with \u003cem\u003eB. miyamotoi\u003c/em\u003e reference strains from Asia with strong phylogenetic support (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.2.4 Additional Bacterial Diversity\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBroad-range 16S rRNA screening identified five bacterial genera from pooled samples (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e): \u003cem\u003eVibrio\u003c/em\u003e species in \u003cem\u003eR. turanicus\u003c/em\u003e from sheep; \u003cem\u003eCoxiella\u003c/em\u003e species in \u003cem\u003eR. turanicus\u003c/em\u003e from dogs; \u003cem\u003eFrancisella\u003c/em\u003e species in \u003cem\u003eH. asiaticum\u003c/em\u003e from goats; \u003cem\u003eArsenophonus\u003c/em\u003e species in \u003cem\u003eD. marginatus\u003c/em\u003e from cattle and sheep; and \u003cem\u003ePsychrobacter\u003c/em\u003e species in \u003cem\u003eD. marginatus\u003c/em\u003e from goats and \u003cem\u003eA. lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e from sheep.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTick-borne bacterial pathogens detected in different tick species and their hosts\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePathogen Species\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTick Species\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHost\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePooled tick group\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenBank accession No.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVibrio\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePX129236\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCoxiella\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR.turanicus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDogs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePX129231\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFrancisella\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eH.asiaticum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoat\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePX129237\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArsenophonus\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCattle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePX129256\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePX129257\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePsychrobacter\u003c/em\u003e spp.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eD.marginatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoat\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePX129542\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA.lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePX129541\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.3 Evidence for Vertical Transmission\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLaboratory-maintained \u003cem\u003eR. turanicus\u003c/em\u003e females produced viable eggs that developed into larvae. \u003cem\u003eR. massiliae\u003c/em\u003e DNA was detected in both egg masses (3/5 tested positive) and unfed newly hatched larvae (4/6 tested positive) using gltA-specific PCR. Sequences (GenBank: PX233672) showed 99.7% identity with reference \u003cem\u003eR. massiliae\u003c/em\u003e strains, providing direct molecular evidence for vertical transmission.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4 DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study provides molecular characterization of livestock-associated ticks and their bacterial pathogens in Xinjiang, northwestern China. The findings include high prevalence of spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia, detection of Anaplasma capra and Borrelia miyamotoi, and molecular evidence of vertical transmission of Rickettsia massiliae in Rhipicephalus turanicus. These results expand knowledge of pathogen circulation in pastoral ecosystems at the China\u0026ndash;Central Asia interface and have important implications for animal and human health (Zhao et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of SFG Rickettsia detected in this study (50.9%) substantially exceeds levels reported from Inner Mongolia or Heilongjiang and is comparable to those observed in Central Asia(Boldbaatar et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Jiao et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; 程成 et al., 2019). The spatial distribution pattern, with R. raoultii predominating in northern counties and R. massiliae in southern areas, suggests that ecological gradients shape pathogen distribution across Xinjiang. Both species are recognized human pathogens associated with tick-borne lymphadenopathy and Mediterranean spotted fever-like illness, respectively(Gajda et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Socolovschi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e). The elevated prevalence indicates considerable exposure risks in pastoral settings and emphasizes the importance of enhanced surveillance and clinical awareness in the region.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe detection of A. capra in Dermacentor marginatus from goats represents an important epidemiological observation. Since its identification in China in 2015, A. capra has been associated with human febrile illness across Asia (Altay et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Li et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Lin et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). The widespread distribution of goats in Xinjiang and their frequent interaction with humans provides a plausible pathway for zoonotic transmission (Ma et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Although the prevalence observed here was relatively low, its presence indicates the need for integrated veterinary and public health monitoring, particularly given that infections may be underdiagnosed due to nonspecific clinical symptoms (Shi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe detection of B. miyamotoi in R. turanicus from sheep extends the known distribution of this relapsing fever spirochete within China (Duan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). Unlike Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, which causes Lyme borreliosis, B. miyamotoi is increasingly recognized as a human pathogen responsible for hard tick-borne relapsing fever (Cleveland et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Jiang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Its presence in Xinjiang suggests that healthcare providers should consider B. miyamotoi in differential diagnoses of tick-associated febrile illness. Given its clinical overlap with other infections, misdiagnosis may occur, reinforcing the necessity for comprehensive epidemiological studies in both human and livestock populations (Gao et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBeyond these recognized pathogens, several bacterial genera were identified, including Arsenophonus, Psychrobacter, Coxiella, Vibrio, and Francisella. While some may function as endosymbionts, others could influence tick physiology or pathogen interactions (Kolo and Raghavan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Their ecological significance remains to be elucidated, but their detection reflects the complexity of tick microbiomes (Bonnet et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Future metagenomic approaches will be essential to clarify their roles and interactions with pathogenic species (Ravi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA significant finding of this study is the demonstration of vertical transmission of R. massiliae. The detection of pathogen DNA in eggs and unfed larvae of R. turanicus provides molecular evidence that transovarial maintenance contributes to pathogen persistence (Olivieri et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). This mechanism may explain the relatively high prevalence of R. massiliae in field-collected samples and is consistent with reports from the Mediterranean basin (Segura et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Incorporating vertical transmission dynamics into models of pathogen ecology will enhance understanding of long-term maintenance in local tick populations (Eremeeva and Dasch, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall, these findings highlight the importance of a One Health perspective in Xinjiang, where livestock act both as tick hosts and as amplifiers of zoonotic pathogens. Strengthened animal-based surveillance could serve as an early-warning system for emerging infections in humans, while cross-border monitoring is particularly critical given Xinjiang\u0026rsquo;s geographical position within Central Asia (Konan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeveral limitations should be noted. The pooling strategy may have underestimated infection rates, particularly for pathogens present at low prevalence (Kj\u0026aelig;r et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). The cross-sectional design also restricted assessment of seasonal variation, which may influence circulation patterns. Finally, pathogen DNA detection alone cannot confirm vector competence, and experimental transmission studies are required to establish epidemiological relevance.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5 CONCLUSIONS","content":"\u003cp\u003eSeven tick species parasitize livestock in Xinjiang, with three dominant taxa accounting for \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;85% of specimens. Sequence-confirmed detection of spotted fever group \u003cem\u003eRickettsia\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eA. capra\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eB. miyamotoi\u003c/em\u003e highlights the circulation of zoonotic pathogens in pastoral settings. Importantly, molecular evidence for vertical transmission of \u003cem\u003eR. massiliae\u003c/em\u003e demonstrates efficient maintenance in tick populations. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive molecular baseline for northwestern China and emphasize the critical need for strengthened One Health surveillance to mitigate zoonotic disease risks in pastoral communities.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eConflict of Interest\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEthics Statement\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was carried out in strict accordance with international standards as published in the \u0026ldquo;Guide to the feeding, management and use of experimental animals\u0026rdquo; (8th Edition) and follows the \u0026ldquo;Regulations on the management of experimental animals\u0026rdquo; and other relevant laws and regulations. The biomedical research ethics committee of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University specifically approved this study (No. 2020[081]). In addition, permission was obtained from the farm owners before the specimens were collected, and all efforts were made to minimize suffering.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 32260887).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConceptualization: H.P.T., Y.H.L., and L.Z. Data collection: H.P.T., X.N.D., J.M.K., N.B., Y.S.Z., Z.H.Q., Z.X.L., Z.L.Z., H.D.W and X.Y.Z. Laboratory analysis: H.P.T., X.N.D., J.M.K., and Y.L.D. Statistical analysis: H.P.T. and L.Z. Writing - original draft: H.P.T. Writing - review \u0026amp; editing: Y.H.L. and L.Z. Funding acquisition: Y.H.L. and L.Z.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepresentative sequences have been deposited in GenBank under accession numbers PV875509-PV875515 ( *COI* tick sequences), PV936264-PV932627 ( *gltA Rickettsia* sequences), PV936268-PV932671 ( *ompA Rickettsia* sequences), PV875542 (16S rRNA *Anaplasma* sequences), and PV936263 ( *groEL Borrelia* sequences). Additional data supporting the conclusions are available from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbdiyeva, K., Turebekov, N., Yegemberdiyeva, R., Dmitrovskiy, A., Yeraliyeva, L., Shapiyeva, Z., Nurmakhanov, T., Sansyzbayev, Y., Froeschl, G., Hoelscher, M., Zinner, J., Essbauer, S., Frey, S., 2020. 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Lancet Microbe 5, e442\u0026ndash;e451. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-5247(23)00396-8\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/S2666-5247(23)00396-8\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWang, B., Liu, Z., Zhu, S., Zhang, J., Qi, W., Wang, J., Li, D., He, L., Zhao, J., 2025. Molecular characterization of tick-borne bacterial and protozoan pathogens in parasitic ticks from Xinjiang, China. Parasit. Vectors 18, 207. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-06857-1\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1186/s13071-025-06857-1\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWyk, C.-L. van, Mtshali, K., Taioe, M.O., Terera, S., Bakkes, D., Ramatla, T., Xuan, X., Thekisoe, O., 2022. Detection of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens of Urban Stray Dogs in South Africa. Pathog. Basel Switz. 11, 862. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11080862\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3390/pathogens11080862\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYan, Y., Jiang, Y., Tao, D., Zhao, A., Qi, M., Ning, C., 2020. Molecular detection of Anaplasma spp. in dairy cattle in southern Xinjiang, China. Vet. Parasitol. Reg. Stud. Rep. 20, 100406. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100406\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100406\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZ\u0026aacute;rate-Rend\u0026oacute;n, D.A., Salazar-Espinoza, M.N., Catalano, S., Sobotyk, C., Mendoza, A.P., Rosenbaum, M., Verocai, G., 2022. Molecular characterization of Dipetalonema yatesi from the black-faced spider monkey (Ateles chamek) with phylogenetic inference of relationships among Dipetalonema of Neotropical primates. Int. J. Parasitol. Parasites Wildl. 17, 152\u0026ndash;157. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.01.005\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.01.005\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhang, Y., Jia, C., Li, S., Wang, S., He, Z., Wu, G., Yu, M., Lu, Y., Yu, D., 2024. Comparative genome-wide association study on body weight in Chinese native ducks using four models. Poult. Sci. 103, 103899. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.103899\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.psj.2024.103899\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhao, G.-P., Wang, Y.-X., Fan, Z.-W., Ji, Y., Liu, M.-J., Zhang, W.-H., Li, X.-L., Zhou, S.-X., Li, H., Liang, S., Liu, W., Yang, Y., Fang, L.-Q., 2021a. Mapping ticks and tick-borne pathogens in China. Nat. Commun. 12, 1075. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21375-1\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1038/s41467-021-21375-1\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhao, G.-P., Wang, Y.-X., Fan, Z.-W., Ji, Y., Liu, M.-J., Zhang, W.-H., Li, X.-L., Zhou, S.-X., Li, H., Liang, S., Liu, W., Yang, Y., Fang, L.-Q., 2021b. Mapping ticks and tick-borne pathogens in China. Nat. Commun. 12, 1075. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21375-1\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1038/s41467-021-21375-1\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhao, L., Lv, J., Li, F., Li, K., He, B., Zhang, L., Han, X., Wang, H., Johnson, N., Lin, X., Wu, S., Liu, Y., 2020. Identification and Molecular Analysis of Ixodid Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Infesting Domestic Animals and Tick-Borne Pathogens at the Tarim Basin of Southern Xinjiang, China. Korean J. Parasitol. 58, 37\u0026ndash;46. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2020.58.1.37\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3347/kjp.2020.58.1.37\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e程成, 鞠文东, 王艳梅, 徐宁, 耿聪, 王延禄, 焦丹, 梁慧杰, 王红霞, 黄洋, 2019. 黑龙江口岸蜱携带斑点热群立克次体及嗜吞噬细胞无形体复合感染调查. 口岸卫生控制 24, 53\u0026ndash;59.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"parasites-and-vectors","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"parv","sideBox":"Learn more about [Parasites \u0026 Vectors](http://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"13071","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/13071/3","title":"Parasites \u0026 Vectors","twitterHandle":"@bugbittentweets","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC/SO AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"tick, Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Borrelia, livestock, Xinjiang","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7604179/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7604179/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eXinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region represents a critical pastoral zone at the livestock\u0026ndash;tick\u0026ndash;human interface in northwestern China, yet molecular data on tick-borne pathogens in this region remain scarce.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBetween 2017 and 2018, we collected 6,172 ticks from cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs across 18 counties in Xinjiang. Tick species identification was performed through morphological examination and COI gene barcoding. Pooled samples (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;55) were screened using PCR and sequencing targeting \u003cem\u003eRickettsia\u003c/em\u003e (gltA, ompA genes), \u003cem\u003eAnaplasma\u003c/em\u003e (16S rRNA), \u003cem\u003eBorrelia\u003c/em\u003e (groEL), and broad-range bacterial diversity (16S rRNA).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeven tick species were identified, with \u003cem\u003eAlveonasus lahorensis\u003c/em\u003e (33.7%), \u003cem\u003eDermacentor marginatus\u003c/em\u003e (32.3%), and \u003cem\u003eRhipicephalus turanicus\u003c/em\u003e (19.7%) comprising the dominant species. \u003cem\u003eRickettsia\u003c/em\u003e DNA was detected in 28 of 55 pools (50.9%), with sequences showing relatedness to \u003cem\u003eR. raoultii\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eR. massiliae\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eR. barbariae\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eAnaplasma capra\u003c/em\u003e was identified in \u003cem\u003eD. marginatus\u003c/em\u003e collected from goats (1.8% of pools), while \u003cem\u003eBorrelia miyamotoi\u003c/em\u003e was detected in \u003cem\u003eR. turanicus\u003c/em\u003e from sheep (1.8% of pools). Additional bacterial genera detected included \u003cem\u003eArsenophonus\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eCoxiella\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eFrancisella\u003c/em\u003e. Notably, \u003cem\u003eR. massiliae\u003c/em\u003e was detected in both eggs and unfed larvae of \u003cem\u003eR. turanicus\u003c/em\u003e, providing evidence of vertical transmission.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusions\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study represents the first comprehensive molecular survey of livestock-associated ticks in Xinjiang, revealing high prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae and the presence of emerging tick-borne pathogens. Our findings underscore potential zoonotic risks within pastoral systems and emphasize the critical need for enhanced One Health surveillance strategies at the livestock\u0026ndash;human interface in this region.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Molecular characterization of livestock-associated ticks and tick-borne bacteria in Xinjiang, northwestern China","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-10-01 13:36:18","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7604179/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-10-20T02:46:11+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-09T22:04:15+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"77332001966329567801267410667686493837","date":"2025-09-29T01:16:05+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"35713540550521362097819607895328553131","date":"2025-09-21T09:16:30+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-09-20T19:58:50+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-09-16T16:13:54+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-09-16T09:02:47+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Parasites \u0026 Vectors","date":"2025-09-13T02:48:15+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"parasites-and-vectors","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"parv","sideBox":"Learn more about [Parasites \u0026 Vectors](http://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"13071","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/13071/3","title":"Parasites \u0026 Vectors","twitterHandle":"@bugbittentweets","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC/SO AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"1a7c80a6-52c9-4f24-9ae6-f683fc12e5c6","owner":[],"postedDate":"October 1st, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-12-08T16:03:18+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-7604179","link":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-07178-z","journal":{"identity":"parasites-and-vectors","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Parasites \u0026 Vectors"},"publishedOn":"2025-12-02 15:58:09","publishedOnDateReadable":"December 2nd, 2025"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-10-01 13:36:18","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1186/s13071-025-07178-z","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-07178-z","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7604179","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7604179","identity":"rs-7604179","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}