Microbiome Composition of Haemaphysalis flava in Korea and Diversity Analysis Based on Region, Developmental Stage, and Sex

Abstract

Ticks are well-known vectors of various diseases and are widely distributed globally. In this study, we investigated the microbial community of Haemaphysalis flava, a common tick species in Korea, using 16S rRNA gene analysis. Alpha diversity analysis revealed that adult ticks had higher microbial richness and complexity than nymphs, and the highest diversity was observed in adult females. Significant regional differences were also found, with samples from Jinju and Boseong showing higher richness and samples from Jeju showing lower richness. Beta diversity analysis showed that microbial communities were clustered according to region and developmental stage, with unique clusters observed in Samcheok and Gokseong, which may be due to regional environmental factors. Proteobacteria dominated the microbial community in most samples, followed by Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes. At the genus level, Coxiella and Pseudomonas were dominant, and Coxiella may be associated with pathogen transmission. The abundance of other genera varied by region and developmental stage, reflecting complex host–microbe interactions. These findings highlight the influence of environmental, developmental, and biological factors on the H. flava microbiota, emphasizing the need for further research to understand the ecological role of the microbiota in pathogen transmission and to develop effective strategies for preventing tick-borne diseases.