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Journals / Acarological Studies / 2026 / Volume: 8 Issue: 1

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

Sergio Bermudez Castillero(Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Research)0000-0003-1830-3133
Nadia Moreno(Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud)0009-0000-6896-5771
Michelle Hernández(Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud)0000-0001-7445-6965
Lillian Domínguez(Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud)0000-0003-4636-5876
Ambar Moreno(Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud)0000-0001-7196-0867
Alexander Martínez-Caballero(Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud)0000-0002-7816-3040
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-03-12
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

This finding highlights the relevance of monitoring exotic ticks in international travelers.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis: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.
📊
Key Findings & Data:The tick was identified by sequencing the 16S rDNA gene.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:This finding highlights the relevance of monitoring exotic ticks in international travelers.
🔬Design:Research Note
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Exotic ticks · human parasitism · travelers

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.

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Cite This Article

Castillero, S. B., Moreno, N., Hernández, M., Domínguez, L., Moreno, A., Martínez-Caballero, A. (2026). Amblyomma tholloni (Acari: Ixodida), a transcontinental exotic tick story in Panama. Acarological Studies, Volume: 8 Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.47121/acarolstud.1830418

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