Development and Characterization of Microsatellite Genetic Markers for <i>Hyalomma rufipes</i>, a Tick Vector of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus.

ABSTRACT: Hyalomma rufipes is a widely distributed tick species and a competent vector of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV), a serious zoonotic pathogen endemic to over 30 countries. Despite the epidemiological importance of CCHFV and H. rufipes in East Africa, little is known about the genetic structure and movement of H. rufipes populations, limiting the understanding of CCHFV transmission dynamics in this region. This study developed and characterized 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers to support population genetic studies of H. rufipes. H. rufipes ticks were collected from livestock in Garissa and Isiolo counties in northern Kenya. Morphological identification was confirmed using 16S rRNA Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Low-pass whol

SUBMITTER: Ahmad H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12875679 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature