Molecular Characterization Based on 16S rDNA Phylogeny of Some Ixodid Ticks in Turkey

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The genetic data related to Turkish ticks is limited. Therefore, this study was aimed to perform of the molecular characterization based on 16S rDNA gene region of some ixodid tick species in Turkey. METHODS: The molecular characterizations of partial 16S rDNA gene region belonging to 17 individual ixodid tick species in Turkey have been made and their phylogenetic relationships based on the relevant gene region have been analysed. RESULTS: The 16S rDNA phylogenetic relationships between the isolates obtained from this study and the homolog isolates have been revealed. The 16S rDNA data belonging to Ixodes laguri has been obtained for the first time and its phylogenetic location has been demonstrated. Original genetic data related to Haemaphysalis inermis, Ha. parva and Ha. sulcata, which have a limited number of genetic information, has been obtained. Besides, the new genetic data belonging to Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, Hyalomma anatolicum, H. detritum, Ha. inermis, Ha. parva, Ha. punctata, Ha. sulcata and I. laguri has been recorded for the first time from Turkey. CONCLUSION: The molecular phylogenetic characterization based on 16S rDNA gene region of 17 ixodid tick species in Turkey has been performed. The obtained data has made a significant contribution to the genetic knowledge of the mentioned ticks species.