Descriptive DNA barcoding of Argas (Persicargas) arboreus and Argas (Persicargas) persicus ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae) infesting birds in Egypt

Authors

Enas H. Ghallab, Ain Shams University
Ayat Yousery, Ain Shams University
Mona G. Shaalan, Ain Shams University

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

12-2-2022

Citation

Experimental and Applied Acarology (2022) 88:397–406 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-022-00768-x

Comments

Open access.

Abstract

Argas ticks are primary parasites of birds with veterinary importance. Nevertheless, these ticks have received little attention regarding molecular identification studies. DNA barcoding is a powerful technique for identifying tick species besides traditional morphological identification. The present work is a first effort to divulge DNA sequences of Argas (Persicargas) arboreus from Egypt and worldwide. We used cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from A. arboreus infesting herons, and from the fowl tick Argas (Persicargas) persicus. Our results pointed out another success for the Folmer primers that are widely used in DNA barcoding, permitting the discrimination of morphologically similar A. arboreus and A. persicus.