Title : Molecular insights and genetic diversity of tick vectors in prophesying kyasanur forest disease transmission risk in the Western Ghats, Kerala, India
Abstract:
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), a viral tick-borne infection, has been a significant public health threat in southern India, particularly in regions with abundant wildlife and forest areas. The disease, primarily transmitted by the bite of infected Haemaphysalis ticks, has been spreading beyond its traditional boundaries, creating an urgent need for precise forecasting methods to identify areas at high risk of KFD transmission. This study focuses on the importance of integrating molecular and genetic perspectives to predict KFD transmission risk areas in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. The research investigates the spatial distribution of ticks, their genetic diversity, and the phylogeography of tick vectors and the KFD virus (KFDV) to map probable risk provinces using nucleotide sequences. The study performs phylogenetic analysis to understand the evolutionary relationships between tick species and the KFDV. The investigation also employed statistical tools, including SPSS version 24.0.0 and R software version 3.4.2, to conduct diversity indices analysis and community comparison. These analyses help in identifying patterns of tick distribution and the likelihood of disease transmission in specific regions. A total of 1,739 ticks were collected over three seasons from the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot in Kerala. The study identified 15 tick species known for their role in disease transmission, using both morphological taxonomic keys and molecular tools such as the CO1 gene to confirm species identification. Among the identified tick species, the study highlights the prevalence of Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Haemaphysalis longicornis, and Rhipicephalus microplus, with H. bispinosa being the most dominant, accounting for 18.53% of the collected ticks. The seasonal distribution and prevalence patterns of these species provide insights into the peak transmission periods for tick-borne diseases like KFD. The genetic diversity of both the ticks and the KFD virus was analyzed, revealing a significant degree of variation, particularly within Indian tick populations. The spatial analysis and phylogeography mapped high-risk KFD transmission areas across the Western Ghats, indicating that these regions are prone to future outbreaks. This data-driven approach to disease risk prediction emphasizes the need for continuous surveillance and the development of targeted management strategies to control tick populations and prevent the spread of KFD. The results contribute to the growing body of knowledge about tick-borne diseases in India and offer a crucial resource for public health officials in implementing effective disease prevention measures in vulnerable regions.
