Molecular Survey and Phylogenetic Characterization of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Hubei Province, China

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Tick-borne diseases pose a serious disease burden globally, with pathogens including viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, and spirochetes. This study aims to investigate ticks and pathogens in Huanggang and Suizhou, two regions with the highest tick-borne disease prevalence in Hubei, China. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 2,958 ticks were collected, and their species diversity was characterized. RNA and DNA were used for polymerase chain reaction detection and sequencing of <i>Dabie bandavirus</i> (DBV), spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR), <i>Coxiella burnetii</i>, <i>Borrelia</i>, <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i>, <i>Babesia</i>, and <i>Bartonella</i> pathogens in ticks. Molecular evolutionary traits and phylogenetic linkages were further analyzed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> One family, four genera, and four species of ticks were identified, with <i>Haemaphysalis longicornis</i> being the predominant species. The overall DBV-positive rate was 2.63% in ticks from Huanggang City and 0.48% in those from Suizhou City. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the DBV strains from Hubei Province belonged to genotypes A-F, with high evolutionary homology with those sampled from local human patients. The tick-borne SFGR-positive rate was significantly higher in samples from Huanggang City (48.23%) than in Suizhou City (8.29%). High levels of <i>A. phagocytophilum</i> sequences were detected in both regions, with 99% homologous. <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> was detected for the first time in Suizhou City, with a very low carriage rate (0.24%), and was not detected in Huanggang City. No <i>Bartonella</i>, <i>Babesia</i>, or <i>C. burnetii</i> pathogens were detected from either location. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This study represents a substantial effort to investigate the diversity of tick-borne pathogens in Huanggang and Suizhou City. Our findings provide references and data to help develop effective tick-borne disease prevention, surveillance, and early warning systems.