Diversity of Ticks in the Caribbean Region and Detection of Their Pathogens Using BioMark Technology.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Ticks and the pathogens they transmit are widespread in Caribbean animal populations. There is; however, limited information on the diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TTBPs) in the region. This study aims to identify TTBPs across multiple Caribbean countries using a high-throughput real-time microfluidic PCR system.

Methods

Six Caribbean territories: Barbados, Guyana, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Tobago and Trinidad were targeted in this study. Nucleic acids were extracted from individual ticks, and a high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR system was used to screen for 49 bacterial species (10 genera) and 18 protozoan species (six genera). Five tick species were detected using morphological or molecular techniques.

Results

A total of 840 ticks were

SUBMITTER: Charles RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12707301 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature