Determination of the Microbiota Profile in Ticks Collected from Sheep and Goats in Türkiye Using Next-Generation Sequencing and Investigation of Potential Pathogen Relationships
Project no. 23606 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2022
Summary
<p>The importance of tick-borne diseases is increasing worldwide, including in Turkey. Global warming, environmental and ecological changes, and the presence of suitable habitats enhance the effectiveness of ticks, thereby increasing the likelihood of zoonotic tick-borne diseases. In Turkey, a total of 19 diseases transmitted to humans and animals by ticks have been reported. Additionally, it is known that changes in the microbiota balance in various parts of the body can increase or decrease susceptibility or resistance to such diseases.</p><p>Based on this, the aim of this project is to investigate the microbiota profile of ticks collected from sheep and goats on farms and the potential relationship between the microbiota and the protozoan diseases theileriosis (caused by Theileria spp.) and babesiosis (caused by Babesia spp.) transmitted by ticks, using molecular methods. For this purpose, DNA samples isolated from ticks [collected from sheep (n=25) and goats (n=10)] will be grouped according to the host organism, the presence of the aforementioned protozoa, and the identified tick species. Subsequently, 16S metagenomic analysis will be performed on the isolated DNA samples to determine the microbiome profile in the samples.</p><p>At the end of the project, the following outcomes are expected:</p><ul><li>The microbiota profiles of ticks collected from sheep and goats will be determined.</li><li>The microbiota profiles of different tick species will be identified.</li><li>The potential relationship between tick microbiota and the presence/absence of the mentioned protozoa will be revealed.</li></ul><p>Thus, insights will be gained into the vectorial role of ticks regarding these disease agents and the potential use of manipulating tick microbiota for biological control of these diseases.</p>