Guild Dynamics and Pathogen Interactions in Hyalomma Ticks From Algerian Cattle

Abstract

Ticks are pivotal in transmitting a variety of pathogens that affect both humans and animals. These pathogens often occur in guilds, groups of species that exploit similar resources in similar ways. Although the composition of tick-borne pathogen (TBP) guilds is well-documented, the interactions among pathogens within these guilds remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that abiotic and biotic factors significantly influence the patterns of occurrence and interactions among pathogens within these guilds. To investigate this, we analyzed microfluidic-based high-throughput data on microorganisms from 166 Hyalomma excavatum ticks (94 male and 72 female) collected across different seasons from cattle in the central Algerian steppe using network analysis to uncover complex pathogen–pathogen interaction patterns. We found that female ticks had a higher infection rate (63.9%) with common pathogens such as Rickettsia slovaca (26.4%), unclassified Apicomplexa (22.2%), and Borrelia afzelii (19.4%). Male ticks showed a 56.4% infection rate, with Rickettsia (31.1%) and R. slovaca (16%) being the most prevalent. Notable pathogen–pathogen interactions within guilds were identified, with positive associations such as between R. slovaca and Rickettsia conorii in males, and B. afzelii and Borrelia spielmanii in females, indicating cooperative interactions. Conversely, negative associations, such as between Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Francisella tularensis, suggested competitive exclusion. The observed variation in interaction patterns under different conditions indicates that ecological determinants, both biotic and abiotic, influence pathogen association dynamics within guilds. These findings have significant implications for understanding disease transmission and developing control strategies.