Molecular investigation of tick-borne pathogens from different regions of Morocco

Tick-borne pathogens are a worldwide threat to public health that can only be mitigated by knowledge on tick-host associations coupled with surveillance of their infection by pathogenic microorganisms. This information is not equally available throughout tick vector distribution range and is deficient in some geographical areas. In this study we did a molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens associated with different tick species in Morocco. We analyzed four different species of Hyalomma (Hyalomma aegyptium, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma impeltatum) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks from four vertebrate hosts and from the vegetation. The most common tick species collected was H. aegyptium feeding on Testudo graeca tortoises, followed by H. anatolicum from the vegetation. Hyalomma aegyptium feeding on T. graeca was found infected with Borrelia turcica, representing the first detection for Western North Africa, and Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae, also detected for the first time in Morocco. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was also detected in H. aegyptium feeding on T. graeca. Additionally, R. aeschlimannii was detected in H. anatolicum from the vegetation, and Rickettsia massiliae in R. sanguineus s.l. from an Algerian hedgehog Atelix algirus. Because H. aegyptium are common parasites of T. graeca tortoises, and these animals are subjected to pet trade, it is important to evaluate the associated human health risks through regular surveillance and perform awareness campaigns for prevention of the general public.