Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Parasitic Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Animal Hosts in Chuy Province, Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Tick-borne parasitic diseases pose important threats to veterinary and public health, particularly in countries with livestock-dependent economies such as Kyrgyzstan. However, molecular epidemiological data on tick-borne pathogens in Kyrgyzstan is limited. This study investigated the prevalence, genetic diversity, and host–tick–pathogen associations in Chuy Province, Kyrgyzstan. A total of 494 ticks belonging to 6 genera and 10 species were collected from various animal hosts in eight survey areas in central-northern Chuy Province and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Of the 494 ticks, 35 (7.1%) were infected, including 15 (3.0%) with Babesia species and 20 (4.0%) with Theileria species. The highest positive rates were observed in Rhipicephalus annulatus (13.8%) and Haemaphysalis punctata (12.4%). Molecular analysis identified 4 Babesia species (B. caballi, B. major, B. bigemina, B. occultans) and 2 Theileria species (T. orientalis, T. ovis). Ticks collected from horses had the highest infection rates and greatest diversity of pathogens. T. orientalis was the most common pathogen. T. ovis was exclusively found in ticks collected from sheep. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the isolates were closely related to strains circulating in neighboring Central Asian and Eurasian countries. The findings provide foundational data for developing region-specific vector control measures.