First molecular detection of Francisella tularensis in turtle (Testudo graeca) and ticks (Hyalomma aegyptium) in Northwest of Iran.

ABSTRACT: Francisella tularensis, causative agent of tularemia, is a contagious zoonotic ailment. This study was aimed to molecularly detect F. tularensis in tortoise blood (n = 100) and ticks (n = 100) collected in the West Azerbaijan province, Iran suing a 16SrRNA gene of the Francisella genus through employment of the Nested-PCR technique. The identified ticks were s Hyalomma aegyptium by morphological analysis. Seven percent (with a 95% CI: 3.5%-13.75%) of animal blood samples yielded positive results for the presence of the Francisella. Meanwhile, the Francisella was identified in tick samples at a rate of fifteen percent (15%) (with a 95% CI: 9%-23%). The samples containing positive results were specifically classified as F. tularensis su

SUBMITTER: Tukmechi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10772711 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature