Molecular identification, genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of Ixodes and Rhipicephalus ticks and their associated spotted fever group Rickettsia species from a single location in northern Tunisia

These findings enhance our understanding of tick and SFGR diversity in Tunisia and underscores the zoonotic risks from co-circulating <i>Rickettsia</i> species in shared environments. The high infection rates in <i>Ix. ricinus</i> and <i>Ix. inopinatus</i> call for improved national tick surveillance. Public health implications include the need to consider tick-borne rickettsioses in unexplained febrile illness diagnoses. Future studies should assess infection status in hosts, explore seasonal tick dynamics, and evaluate environmental factors affecting <i>Rickettsia</i> transmission.