Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Dermacentor marginatus (Acari: Ixodidae) isolated on Hainan Island, China: molecular characterization and phylogenetic implications

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Xingzhi Feng 1
Yijia Xu 1
Qianfeng Xia 1
Yajun Lu 1, 2

1 NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China

2 Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2025.2039447.4411
Abstract
The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Dermacentor marginatus isolated from Hainan Island, a tropical island in China, has recently been elucidated. This ornate sheep tick is a three-host species, meaning it requires feeding on different hosts throughout its larval, nymph, and adult stages. This broad host range contributes significantly to its role in the transmission of various pathogens including spotted fever group rickettsia. The mitochondrial genome of D. marginatus was sequenced and found to be a circular, double-stranded DNA molecule with a total length of 15,005 bp. The genome exhibited a guanine and cytosine (GC) content of 21.23%, reflecting its unique genetic composition. Annotation of the genome revealed the presence of 37 genes, comprising 22 tRNA genes, 13 mRNA genes as protein-coding genes, (PCGs) and two rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis placed D. marginatus closest to D. silvarum from Heilongjiang province in China, clustering with D. sinicus from Hubei province in China. D. marginatus also exhibited proximity to D. species from China and other countries forming a distinct cluster. The availability of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of D. marginatus marked a notable advancement in deciphering the genetic diversity and evolutionary path of this tick species. The study concentrated on the mitochondrial genome of D. marginatus from Hainan Island, examining its genetic and phylogenetic features, and assessing genomic variations that may influence mitochondrial function and tropical adaptation. The investigation into the genetic adaptations of D. marginatus to its tropical niche yielded vital information for forecasting how tick populations may react to changes in climate and diverse environmental conditions.

Keywords

Dermacentor marginatus
Genetics
Mitochondrial genome
Phylogeny
Variation

Subjects

 
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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 16, Issue 10
October 2025
Pages 557-564

  • Receive Date 24 August 2024
  • Revise Date 19 February 2025
  • Accept Date 22 April 2025

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