An internal transcribed spacer 2 gene fragment, as a suitable phylogenetic marker in Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus (Acari: Rhipicephalinae) species

Abstract

Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus (Acari: Ixodidae: Rhipicephalinae) are the most important ectoparasites and biological vector of pathogen agents. The taxonomy of some Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus species is more debatable. The traditional taxonomy of ticks have been revolutionized using polymerase chain reaction. The specificity, efficiency and accuracy of PCR is highly dependent on the oligonucleotide primers. In this study, five primers designed for amplification of a fragment ITS2 so-called TAH-1, TAH-2, TRH (for Hyalomma) and TAH-3, TAH-4 (for Rhipicephalus). Successfully, 24 and 29 ITS2 sample was sequenced using these primers. As well as, an ITS2 phylogenetic tree were constructed using BEAST basis on the Bayesian Inference (BI) method. The most Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus species well differentiated using ITS2 fragment since the designed primer fail to amplify gene target in few cases.