Hematophagous Arthropod Vectors: DNA Barcodes, Pathogens and Cell Line Establishment

This study explores the diversity, identification, and pathogen associations of hematophagous arthropods, focusing primarily on black flies and ticks in Southeast Asia. Using DNA barcoding, significant advances were made in resolving taxonomic ambiguities in black flies across Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Studies generated over 400 COI sequences, many from type or topotype specimens, enhancing the regional barcode reference library. Molecular analyses revealed cryptic species diversity. The limited discriminatory power of both COI and nuclear genes for certain taxa highlights the need for an integrated approach combining morphology, cytogenetics, and multiple genetic markers. Parallel research on ticks led to the successful long-term culture of Rhipicephalus linnaei from Malaysia, offering potential for Asia’s first tick cell line, a valuable tool for vector-pathogen interaction studies. Molecular screening of ticks revealed diverse zoonotic and veterinary pathogens. Together, these findings highlight the utility of DNA barcoding and molecular surveillance in identifying vectors and detecting tick-borne pathogens. They provide a foundation for improving disease risk assessments, vector control strategies, and future research on vector biology in the region.