Two novel rickettsiae (Candidatus Rickettsia isanensis and Candidatus Rickettsia ranongensis) and co-detections of bacteria and protozoa in Amblyomma ticks of reptiles from Thailand

We report three reptile tick species harboring microorganisms from four bacterial genera and one protozoan genus, with variable prevalence rates. Two putative novel species of spotted fever group rickettsiae (Ca. Rickettsia isanensis and Ca. Rickettsia ranongensis) were identified. Notably, A. pattoni was documented parasitizing the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) for the first time in Thailand. These findings enhance our understanding of tick and tick-borne pathogen diversity, host-vector relationships, and offer valuable information for managing vector-borne zoonotic risks in the region.