Detection and phylogenetic characterization of Jingmen tick virus in Amblyomma mixtum ticks from Costa Rica

Abstract

Jingmenvirus is a group of segmented flaviviruses detected in arthropods and vertebrates that has attracted growing public health interest due to the recognition of some members as emerging human arboviral pathogens. As part of a study aimed at deciphering the virome of medically and veterinary important ticks in Costa Rica, we detected Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) in engorged Amblyomma mixtum ticks collected from horses. We assembled three complete genome segments and one partial segment from tick pools. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that JMTV from Costa Rica (JMTV Costa Rica) shares a common viral ancestor with JMTV viruses identified in ticks from the Caribbean and Latin America, with putative reassortment events detected across segments. Two distinct clades of Jingmen viruses were identified in the American continent, suggesting two distinct introductions: one from Europe/Asia and the other from Africa/Asia. Of note, JMTV Costa Rica falls in the same clade as viruses from Europe and Turkey, including sequences found in humans. Our study constitutes the first report of JMTV associated with Amblyomma mixtum. This tick species feeds on a wide range of hosts, including wildlife, domestic animals, and frequently parasitizes humans in Central America. Further research involving the detection of active or past infections in humans and horses after tick bites are needed to evaluate the risk of JMTV-associated arboviral infection in Central America, including Costa Rica. ImportanceJingmenviruses are flaviviruses detected in arthropods and vertebrates reported in several countries worldwide. Some members cause disease and infections in humans; therefore, they are considered emergent human arboviruses. In Costa Rica and Central America, there is no information on tick-associated viruses or the role of ticks as putative vectors of viruses. Here, we report the first regional detection of Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) in Amblyomma mixtum ticks collected from horses. We assembled three complete and one partial viral segment from tick pools. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the JTMV detected in Costa Rica is closely related to other detections from Latin America and the Caribbean and is located in the same clade as viruses reported in humans. Additionally, we detected two separate introductions of JMTV to Latin America. To determine whether this JMTV is an emergent arbovirus, research on past or active infections in humans is required.