Intra-individual polymorphisms in the mitochondrial COI gene of tick-killing Ixodiphagus wasps parasitizing Haemaphysalis flava ticks.

Ixodid ticks are significant vectors of pathogens affecting both humans and animals. Biological control with natural enemies represents a sustainable tool for managing ticks. However, there is a substantial lack of knowledge about the natural enemies of ticks.

Amblyomma kappa sp. n. (Acari: Ixodidae), a new species of reptile tick from subtropical East Asia closely related to the Oriental turtle tick (Amblyomma geoemydae) from tropical Southeast Asia.

The correct delineation of tick species is critical for efforts aimed at safeguarding One Health. Historically, the Asian turtle tick (Amblyomma geoemydae sensu lato) has been regarded as a geographically widespread species across much of Asia. However, based on morphological and phylogenomic data, the subtropical lineage (from Japan, Taiwan, and parts of China) of A.

Environmental and host factors underlying tick-borne virus infection in wild animals: Investigation of the emerging Yezo virus in Hokkaido, Japan.

Yezo virus (YEZV) is an emerging tick-borne virus that causes acute febrile illness. It has been continuously reported in patients and ticks in Japan and China since its first identification in Hokkaido, Japan. While serological tests have demonstrated that YEZV infections are prevalent in wild animals, such as raccoons (Procyon lotor), the determinants of infection in wild animals remain largely unknown.

Habu vipers (Protobothrops flavoviridis) are an overlooked but important reservoir of the zoonotic tick Amblyomma testudinarium (Acari: Ixodidae) in subtropical Asia.

Subtropical Asia has a rich diversity of reptiles and ticks, though the role of reptiles in the sylvatic cycles of medically important ticks in the region is poorly known. Habu vipers (Protobothrops flavoviridis) are widespread and common in the Japanese subtropics but their role as hosts for ticks has not been carefully explored. For 15 months in 2023/24, habu vipers were screened for ticks and were found to be important hosts for immature stages of the tick Amblyomma testudinarium, with a 22 % infestation rate.

Environmental and host factors underlying tick infestation in invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan.

Revealing interactions between ticks and wild animals is vital for gaining insights into the dynamics of tick-borne pathogens in the natural environment. We aimed to elucidate the factors that determine tick infestation in wild animals by investigating ticks on invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan. We first examined the composition, intensity, and seasonal variation of ticks infesting raccoons in six study areas in Hokkaido from March 2022 to August 2023.

Investigation of vertical and horizontal transmission of Spiroplasma in ticks under laboratory conditions.

Many arthropods harbour bacterial symbionts, which are maintained by vertical and/or horizontal transmission. Spiroplasma is one of the most well-known symbionts of ticks and other arthropods. It is still unclear how Spiroplasma infections have spread in tick populations despite its high prevalence in some tick species.

Comparative mitogenomics elucidates the population genetic structure of in Japan and a closely related species in Myanmar.

Ticks are the second most important vector capable of transmitting diseases affecting the health of both humans and animals. Koch 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae), is a hard tick species having a wide geographic distribution in Asia. In this study, we analyzed the composition of whole mitogenomes from various geographical regions in Japan and investigated the population structure, demographic patterns, and phylogeographic relationship with other ixodid species.

Applications of Blocker Nucleic Acids and Non-Metazoan PCR Improves the Discovery of the Eukaryotic Microbiome in Ticks.

Ticks serve as important vectors of a variety of pathogens. Recently, the viral and prokaryotic microbiomes in ticks have been explored using next-generation sequencing to understand the physiology of ticks and their interactions with pathogens. However, analyses of eukaryotic communities in ticks are limited, owing to the lack of suitable methods.