Molecular Detection of Novel Species, , in Ticks from Pangolins.

A novel species, , was found in ectoparasite ticks, , from pangolins seized in anti-smuggling operations in southern China. Overall, 12 tick samples in 227 (overall prevalence 5.3%) were positive for , 9 (5.1%) in 176 males, and 3 (5.9%) in 51 females. The phylogenetic analysis, based on the 16S rRNA gene and the flagellin gene sequences of the sp., exhibited strong evidence that did not belong to the Lyme disease group and the relapsing fever group but another lineage of . The discovery of the novel species suggests that may be the transmit vector, and the pangolins should be considered a possible origin reservoir in the natural circulation of these new pathogens. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of a novel species agent in from pangolins. Whether the novel agent is pathogenic to humans is unknown and needs further research.