# Metagenomic exploration of the virome of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks from Chachoengsao, Thailand

## TL;DR

This study explores the viruses found in dog ticks from Thailand, identifying three new viruses and emphasizing the need for further research on tick-borne diseases.

## Contribution

The study identifies three novel viruses in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks from Thailand using DNA Nanoball sequencing.

## Key findings

- Three viruses—BDTPV2, CpTV-2, and BLTV4—were identified in male Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks.
- The viruses were detected using DNA Nanoball sequencing of tick samples from Chachoengsao, Thailand.
- The findings highlight the importance of surveillance for tick-associated viruses under the One Health framework.

## Abstract

Ticks are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites that harbor a wide diversity of microorganisms. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, is globally distributed and poses significant veterinary and public health concerns due to its close association with companion animals and its occasional infestation of humans. However, the virome of this species in Thailand remains poorly characterized. In this study, we employed DNA Nanoball sequencing to investigate the virome of 80 R. sanguineus ticks, grouped into five pools, collected from dogs in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand, in 2023. Three viruses were identified: Brown dog tick phlebovirus 2 (BDTPV2), Changping tick virus 2 (CpTV-2), and Bole tick virus 4 (BLTV4), all detected in male ticks. These results highlight the need for further investigation into the ecological roles and biological significance of these viruses. Overall, our findings provide an updated perspective on the R. sanguineus virome in Thailand and underscore the importance of continued surveillance of tick-associated viruses within the One Health framework.