Analysis of Trypanosoma sequences from Haemaphysalis flava (Acari: Ixodidae) and Tabanus rufidens (Diptera: Tabanidae) collected in Ishikawa, Japan

Abstract

Trypanosoma are known to be a diverse group of parasites that infect animals belonging to all classes in the subphylum Vertebrata and are important pathogens that a ect human and animal health. Although many trypanosomatids have been found in mammals and birds in Japan, information regarding their invertebrate host is currently lacking. During our virome analyses of ticks and horse ies, several trypanosoma-like sequences were found. Further sequence characterization and PCR-based screening revealed trypanosomatids termed Trypanosoma sp. 17ISK-T2 and 17ISK-T22 in the nymphs of Haemaphysalis ava, and T. theileri-like sequences in Tabanus ru dens. ese results indicate that virome analysis by next-generation sequencing (NGS) can also be used as a tool for protozoan detection from arthropods. Further investigations will assist in understanding the diversity and transmission dynamics of these parasites in Japan.