Bm86 Genetic Diversity of Indigenous Tick Population from Punjab Province Pakistan

Ticks transmit a number of bacterial, protozoal and viral pathogens that cause many diseases like ehrlichiosis, hemorrhagic fever, theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis in livestock. This study was designed for molecular characterization of BM86 gene of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick. In this study, the BM86 gene was amplified, using primers flanked by restriction enzyme sites. The molecular detection of R. microplus was studied in three districts belonging to different ecological zones in the province of the Punjab, Pakistan. Tick samples were collected and initially screened through microscopy and further analyzed by PCR and sequencing. The phylogenetic tree was generated by using the MEGA 7 through Neighbor Joining method employing best model through the phylogenetic analysis of R. microplus. Pairwise comparisons of nucleotide sequences showed nucleotide differences ranging between 0.007 and 0.01%. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity in Bm86 gene was found among different districts. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms were seen in sequences of BM 86 from indigenous tick populations collected from the Punjab province. More interestingly, out of these 6 polymorphisms, we got 2 from district Okara, 3 from district Sahiwal, and 1 in Mandi Bahauddin. Conserved regions were observed among the local strains for BM86 gene. A common convergence in similar clade was with the local Pakistan R. microplus. Local mean diversity was 0.005 and overall mean diversity was 0.038. Field strain has been isolated as candidate specie for local tick vaccine, which in turn will increase the efficacy of future tick vaccine including reduction of economic burden on the farmer.

Automated summary

This study aimed to molecularly characterize the BM86 gene of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks in different ecological zones of the Punjab province, Pakistan. The research revealed nucleotide diversity in the BM86 gene among different districts, with six single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in indigenous tick populations. Phylogenetic analysis showed a common convergence with local Pakistan R. microplus strains, with a mean diversity of 0.005 for local populations and 0.038 overall. Furthermore, a field strain has been identified as a candidate species for a local tick vaccine, which could potentially reduce economic burden on farmers.