Molecular analysis of some Ixodes (Acari: Ixodida) species collected from Turkey based on 16S rDNA gene region

Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) are important ectoparasites in terms of both animal and human health. In particular, species belonging to the genus Ixodes are known to be vectors of numerous zoonotic disease agents. This study aimed to perform molecular analyses based on the 16S rDNA gene region of certain Ixodes species distributed in Türkiye, to clarify their systematic status, and to elucidate their phylogenetic relationships. Within the scope of the study, DNA was isolated from Ixodes specimens collected from various hosts—such as rodents, birds, bats, and humans—in the provinces of Edirne, Samsun, Tokat, Niğde, Bolu, Amasya, Tekirdağ, Ordu, and Sivas. The 16S rDNA gene region of the samples was amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and bidirectional sequencing was performed using forward and reverse primers. Sequences from each sample were aligned using BioEdit software, and consensus sequences were obtained. These sequences were then compared to 16S rDNA sequences of Ixodes species available in the NCBI GenBank database, and similarity analyses were conducted using the BLASTn tool. Phylogenetic relationships between the sequences obtained in this study and similar sequences from GenBank were evaluated through phylogenetic trees constructed using the MEGA 11 software. The findings of the study revealed that, according to the principle of taxonomic priority, I. redikorzevi should be considered a synonym of I. acuminatus, and that records of I. redikorzevi in Türkiye should be revised as I. acuminatus. Additionally, the molecular identification of Ixodes festai, I. eldaricus, I. vespertilionis, I. inopinatus, I. kaiseri, I. trianguliceps, and I. laguri—all previously reported in Türkiye—was successfully performed, contributing valuable data on the genetic diversity of these species. This study provides important insights into the molecular diversity of some Ixodes species known to occur in Türkiye, contributes to the differentiation of cryptic species, and supports the identification of potential disease vectors. Furthermore, it emphasizes that the integration of molecular systematic approaches with classical morphological methods offers more reliable results in species identification.