First molecular detection of Babesia caballi in camel associated ticks in Uzbekistan, with no evidence of Anaplasma or Rickettsia

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) have an important role in food and textile production in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, yet data on their tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) is scarce, especially in Central Asia. This study aimed to: (i) identify the ticks infesting camels from different regions of Uzbekistan, (ii) molecularly detect TBPs in the collected ticks for the first time. In 2024, 290 camels from three regions (Karakalpakstan, Jizzakh, and Navoi) were examined for tick infestation. Ticks were collected, morphologically identified, pooled, and screened using PCR and sequencing for Babesia., Theileria., Anaplasma., and Rickettsia. Overall, 32.6% of camels harbored ticks, with 993 specimens collected, belonging to the genera Hyalomma, Dermacentor, and Rhipicephalus, comprising at least six species. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of Babesia caballi DNA in two tick pools, marking the first report of this equine pathogen in Hyalomma ticks from camels in Uzbekistan. No evidence of other piroplasm, Anaplasma or Rickettsia. was detected. This study presents an expansion of the known geographic and host range of B. caballi and suggests considering camels in TBP surveillance. Further studies combining molecular and serological approaches in multiple host species are needed to elucidate the epidemiological significance of these findings in Central Asia.