Metaproteomic profiling of the tick microbiome in northern Algeria: a pilot study of bacterial diversity and potential medical or veterinary relevance

Background Ticks are major ectoparasites and vectors of pathogens affecting humans, livestock, and wildlife. They harbor diverse microbial communities that may influence tick biology and interactions with microorganisms; however, functional information on tick-associated microbiomes remains limited, particularly in North Africa. Methods In this pilot study, we applied a metaproteomic approach based on high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry to characterize bacterial communities associated with three tick species collected in Algeria: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato , Hyalomma aegyptium , and H. dromedarii . Peptide spectra were assigned to taxa using a two-step database search strategy based on NCBInr, and bacterial composition and relative abundance were compared across tick species and sampling locations. Results A total of 40 bacterial genera belonging to 32 families and four phyla were identified. Microbiome composition differed significantly between tick genera and collection locations, suggesting an influence of species-specific and geographical factors on microbial community structure. Dominant genera included Streptomyces , Bacillus , Clostridium , Escherichia , Flavobacterium , Paenibacillus , and Providencia . Peptides related to Coxiella spp. were frequently detected, consistent with previous reports of Coxiella -like endosymbionts in ticks. Conclusions This pilot metaproteomic study provides a first functional overview of bacterial communities associated with ticks in Algeria. The results reveal species- and location-associated differences in microbial composition and highlight the potential of metaproteomics for exploring tick-associated microbiomes in North Africa.