Amblyomma tholloni (Acari: Ixodida), a transcontinental exotic tick story in Panama

Abstract

This paper reports the finding and identification of a partially engorged nymph of Amblyomma tholloni in the City of Panama, Panama, from a person with a history of travel to South Africa. The tick was identified by sequencing the 16S rDNA gene. Although the affected woman did not report any discomfort, the tick was evaluated for the presence of Rickettsia using the gltA and ompA genes, testing negative. Amblyomma tholloni is a parasite of elephants, rhinoceroses, and to a lesser extent other mammals; humans are considered sporadic hosts. To our knowledge, this is the first record of this species in a transcontinental traveler. This finding highlights the relevance of monitoring exotic ticks in international travelers.

Keywords

• Exotic ticks
• human parasitism
• travelers
• South Africa
• Panama

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