BMC Microbiology (Sep 2008)

Detection of <it>Francisella tularensis </it>in ticks and identification of their genotypes using multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis

  • Yang Hong,
  • Zhao Qiu-Min,
  • Xin Zhong-Tao,
  • Wu Xiao-Ming,
  • Liu Wei,
  • Zhang Fang,
  • Cao Wu-Chun

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2180-8-152
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
p. 152

Abstract

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Abstract Background Tularemia was reported in China over 50 years ago, however, many epidemical characteristics remain unclear. In the present study, the prevalence of Francisella tularensis in ticks was investigated during an epidemiological surveillance in China and then we measured their genetic diversity by conducting multiple-locus variable- number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). Results 1670 ticks from 2 endemic areas (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Heilongjiang Province) and 2 non-endemic areas (Jilin and Fujian Provinces) were collected and tested for evidence of tularemia by nested PCR. The prevalence of Francisella tularensis in ticks averaged 1.98%. The positive rates were significantly different among tick species, with Dermacentor silvarum and Ixodes persulatus responsible for all positive numbers. All F. tularensis that were detected in ticks belonged to F. tularensis subsp. holarctica and MLVA disclosed genetic diversity. One subtype was identified in 17 of 33 positive tick samples in three different study areas. Another subtype belonging to F. tularensis subsp. holarctica genotype was described for the first time in the current study. Conclusion The study showed two tick species, D. silvarum and I. persulatus harboring the pathogen of tularemia in natural environment, indicating these two tick species might have a role in tularemia existence in China. MLVA results disclosed the genetic diversity F. tularensis and identified one genotype as the most prevalent among the investigated ticks in China.