Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Tick Virome Diversity in Hebei Province, China

Ticks serve as primary vectors for a wide array of RNA viruses, yet the diversity and distribution of tick-associated RNA viruses remain incompletely characterized in Hebei province. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic metatranscriptomic investigation of 986 ticks representing six species, collected from the diverse ecological landscapes of Hebei Province in northern China. Our analysis recovered 25 complete or near-complete viral genomes spanning 12 families, including Phenuiviridae, Flaviviridae, and Nairoviridae. Of critical public health significance, we identified Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV) in both Haemaphysalis longicornis and Dermacentor nuttalli. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed marked geographic stratification where strains from the coastal plains clustered with the dominant Genotype F, while those from the mountainous north formed a characteristic and divergent lineage phylogenetically linked to isolates from Inner Mongolia. Furthermore, a novel viral agent provisionally named Zhangjiakou Hepacivirus was discovered in Haemaphysalis japonica. This virus shared less than 80% nucleotide identity with the rodent-associated Hepacivirus P, consistent with a rodent origin and possible cross-species transmission. Collectively, these findings reveal descriptive variation associated with vector identity, physiological status, and ecological context in shaping viral evolution and underscore the need for continuous metagenomic surveillance to mitigate emerging tick-borne disease risks within a One Health framework.