Emergence of the zoonotic tick Dermacentor (Indocentor) auratus Supino, 1897 (Acari: Ixodidae) in Singapore

Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2021 Jan;12(1):101574. doi: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101574. Epub 2020 Sep 24.

Abstract

Though ticks pose a significant public health risk, until recently, little research had focused on the diversity of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Singapore. To date, only fourteen tick species in five genera have been recorded there. For the first time, Dermacentor auratus is recorded from Singapore from a range of hosts, including humans. DNA sequences are provided at 2 loci, for D. auratus, the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) for DNA barcoding and the 16S large subunit ribosomal RNA (16S lsu rRNA). The health risk posed by D. auratus in Singapore is discussed.

Keywords: Otoacariasis; Spillover; Sus scrofa; Tick-borne disease; Wild boar.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution*
  • Animals
  • Child
  • DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / analysis
  • Dermacentor / enzymology
  • Dermacentor / genetics
  • Dermacentor / physiology*
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / analysis
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Singapore
  • Tick Infestations / parasitology*

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • Electron Transport Complex IV