First report of spotted fever group in , , and infesting domestic animals: updates on the epidemiology of tick-borne .

Tick-borne spp. have long been known as causative agents for zoonotic diseases. We have previously characterized spp. in different ticks infesting a broad range of hosts in Pakistan; however, knowledge regarding in and ticks is missing. This study aimed to obtain a better understanding about in Pakistan and update the knowledge about its worldwide epidemiology. Among 369 examined domestic animals, 247 (66%) were infested by 872 ticks. Collected ticks were morphologically delineated into three genera, namely, , and . Adult females were the most prevalent (number ₌ 376, 43.1%), followed by nymphs (303, 34.74%) and males (193, 22.13%). Overall, genomic DNA samples of 223 tick were isolated and screened for spp. by the amplification of rickettsial , , and partial genes using conventional PCR. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 8 of 223 (3.58%) ticks including nymphs (5 of 122, 4.0%) and adult females (3 of 86, 3.48%). The rickettsial , , and sequences were detected in (2 nymphs and 1 adult female), (1 nymph and 1 adult female), and (2 nymphs and 1 adult female). These rickettsial sequences showed 99.71-100% identity with and phylogenetically clustered with the same species. None of the tested , , , , , , , and ticks were found positive for rickettsial DNA. Comprehensive surveillance studies should be adopted to update the knowledge regarding tick-borne zoonotic species, evaluate their risks to humans and livestock, and investigate the unexamined cases of illness after tick bite among livestock holders in the country.