Francisella-Like Endosymbionts and Rickettsia Species in Local and Imported Hyalomma Ticks.

ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are hosts for -like endosymbionts (FLE) and may serve as vectors of zoonotic disease agents. This study aimed to provide an initial characterization of the interaction between and FLE and to determine the prevalence of pathogenic in these ticks. , , , , and ticks, identified morphologically and molecularly, were collected from different hosts and locations representing the distribution of the genus in Israel, as well as from migratory birds. A high prevalence of FLE was found in all species (90.6%), as well as efficient maternal transmission of FLE (91.8%), and the localization of FLE in Malpighian tubules, ovaries, and salivary glands in Furthermore, we demonstrated strong cophylogeny between FLE and their host species. Contrary to FLE, the prevalence of ranged from 2.4% to 81.3% and was significantly different between species, with a higher prevalence in ticks collected from migratory birds. Using gene sequences, most of the spp. were similar to , while a few were similar to of the spotted fever group (SFG). Given their zoonotic importance, 249 ticks were tested for Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infection, and all were negative. The results imply that and FLE have obligatory symbiotic interactions, indicating a potential SFG zoonosis risk. A further understanding of the possible influence of FLE on development, as well as on its infection with pathogens, may lead to novel ways to control tick-borne zoonoses. This study shows that -like endosymbionts were ubiquitous in , were maternally transmitted, and cospeciated with their hosts. These findings imply that the interaction between FLE and is of an obligatory nature. It provides an example of an integrative taxonomy approach to simply differentiate among species infesting the same host and to identify nymphal and larval stages to be used in further studies. In addition, it shows the potential of imported ticks to serve as a vector for spotted fever group rickettsiae. The information gathered in this study can be further implemented in the development of symbiont-based disease control strategies for the benefit of human health.