Objective:To determine the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens with a particular focus on Rickettsia spp.in ticks collected from cattle in Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces,South Africa.Methods:A total of 200 ticks were co...Objective:To determine the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens with a particular focus on Rickettsia spp.in ticks collected from cattle in Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces,South Africa.Methods:A total of 200 ticks were collected from cattle within the Madala livestock,Pretoria,Gauteng Province and in Mankweng Township,Polokwane,Limpopo Province in 2019.The ticks were morphologically identified and processed individually for a total genomic DNA extraction.Specific primers targetting ompA,ompB,and the 17KDa genes were used for a molecular screening and delineation of Rickettsia from the extracted genetic materials using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)technique.PCR amplicons of positive samples were sequenced bidirectionally using the Sanger sequencing method.Sequences generated were processed and analysed using appropriate bioinformatics software.Results:The ticks were morphologically identified as Amblyomma spp.PCR profiling of the genomic DNA samples revealed the presence of the Rickettsia pathogen in 42(21%)of the ticks collected from both Provinces.Out of the genes profiled,14(7%)were positive for 17KDa,42(21%)for ompA and 32(16%)were positive for ompB genes respectively.The nucleotide blast of the sequenced genomes showed high similarity,as high as 100% with other reference Rickettsia(R.)africae in the GenBank.The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences further validated them as R.africae with their characteristic clustering pattern with related reference sequences.Conclusions:There is an abundance of R.africae in Amblyomma ticks collected from cattle in the study areas.This has serious public health implications as individuals who accidentally get infested with the ticks could acquire R.africae.Hence,adequate precautions in terms of sensitization of farmers about the risk and mass mobilization drive to control the vectors in the areas are highly recommended to safeguard public health.展开更多
In sub-Saharan Africa,limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises.Here,we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks(Amblyomma ma...In sub-Saharan Africa,limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises.Here,we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks(Amblyomma marmoreum)collected from the leopard tortoise(Geochelone pardalis)in rural Zambia.Using polymerase chain reaction,56%(49/87)of ticks were positive for the Rickettsia outer membrane protein(ompB)gene.Multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on the ompB,ompA,and citrate synthase(gltA)genes showed that the ticks carried R.africae,and other Rickettsia spp.closely related to R.raoultii,R.massiliae,R.tamurae and R.monacensis.Given the proximity between humans,livestock,and wildlife in these habitats,there exists a considerable risk of transmission of zoonotic Rickettsia to human populations in this rural setting.These results call for heightened awareness and further research into the dynamics of tick-borne diseases in regions where humans and animals coexist,particularly in the context of tortoise-associated ticks as vectors.Understanding and addressing these potential disease vectors is crucial for effective public health measures and the prevention of Rickettsia zoonoses.展开更多
Identification of lxodid tick species on livestock in two districts, viz., D.I. Khan and Lakki Marwat of Northern Pakistan were made during the period from March to November 2009 through animals＇ survey and questionn...Identification of lxodid tick species on livestock in two districts, viz., D.I. Khan and Lakki Marwat of Northern Pakistan were made during the period from March to November 2009 through animals＇ survey and questionnaire. The main tick species were Amblyomma （14.3%）, Boophilus microplus （l 8.5%） and Hyalomma anatolicum and H. dromedarii （67.2%）. Out of 3009 collected ticks, the highest number of female （88.7%） and the lowest of males （ l 1.3%） belong to Boophilus; the lowest number of female （92.4%） and the highest of males （77.5%） belong to Amblyomma. However, cows were more susceptible than buffaloes and camels ranked third to ticks infestation. Moreover, cows, buffalos, goats and sheep harbored mixed infestation （had more than one type of ticks）, however, camels and donkey harbored single infestation （had only one type of tick）. An emerging ethno-veterinary or traditional remedy is poultry keeping for ticks＇ elimination in Lakki Marwat. The results of this research will be helped in taking appropriate measures to reduce tick infestation and to improve management practices. Hence, it will help to increase farm productivity and farmers income.展开更多
Little is known on tick-borne pathogens and their role in disease in game reserves in Kenya. Ticks were collected by sterile forceps from restrained cattle hide and placed into labeled falcon tubes. Ticks were screene...Little is known on tick-borne pathogens and their role in disease in game reserves in Kenya. Ticks were collected by sterile forceps from restrained cattle hide and placed into labeled falcon tubes. Ticks were screened for pathogens by High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing of specific RT-PCR products of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species. A total of 317 ticks (281 adult ticks and 36 nymphs) comprising seven species were collected around the Tsavo National Reserve (TNR) in Taita Taveta County with Amblyomma gemma being the most commonly collected species (n = 135, 42.6%). From near Shimba Hill game reserve (SHNR), a total of 240 adult’s ticks were sampled, representing eight species, with again Amblyomma gemma being the most sampled species (n = 156, 65%). From Tsavo, a total of three pools of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus were positive for Theileria parva, two pools of Rhipicephaline evertsi for Anaplasma platys and one pool of Amblyomma variegatum nymphs for Rickettsia africae. Rickettsia africae, which causes African tick-bite fever, was detected in two pools of Am. variegatum and one pool of Amblyomma gemma collected near Shimba Hill game reserve. Rickettsia sp. and Anaplasma sp. were detected in Am. gemma and Rh. evertsi respectively. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in a pool of Am. gemma. These findings highlight the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans in regions with high human-wildlife interfaces. Of specific importance, we provide evidence of R. aeschlimannii in A. gemma for the first time, representing a potential new R. aeschlimannii vectors.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">This study presents an integrated examination of livestock production constraints associating with communal farming in six district municipalities (DMs) of the Easter...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">This study presents an integrated examination of livestock production constraints associating with communal farming in six district municipalities (DMs) of the Eastern Cape Province. We collected data on demographic and socio-economic factors from 271 farmers randomly given questionnaires. About 26 Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD) owned by communal farmers were surveyed to ascertain the condition of grazing land, meanwhile, tick species and distribution on cattle and goats found in 158 sampling sites of the study area were also recorded. From the results, a total of 34,929 adult ticks belonging to five genera and 10 species were encountered. The most abundant tick genera were </span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rhipicephalus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of the subgenus <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Boophilus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (68.91%), <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Amblyomma</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">(20.72%), <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Hyalomma</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (8.64%), <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ixodes</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">(1.22%), and <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Haemaphysalis</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (0.51%). By geographic distributions, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Amblyomma</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rhipicephalus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> were common to all DMs, while <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">R</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">microplus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">R</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">decoloratus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">were found in the drier regions</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">From the map plotted for 16 custom feeding centers, lack of marketing channels (23%), poor animal conditions (20%), lack of infrastructure (19%), high price of medicine (14%), shortage of feed (10%), stock theft (8%), and age of animals (too old) to be marketed (6%) are the major shortcomings in red meat production. We found that the associations between gender (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">χ</span></i><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 31.3481, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">p</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> < 0.0001), age (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">χ</span></i><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 32.4889, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">p</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> < 0.0001), and farming experience (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">χ</span></i><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 52.7556, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">p</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> < 0.0001) were significantly (<i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">p</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> < 0.05) higher. Additionally, we found that farming commodities were significantly influenced by gender and farming experience. From the surveyed LRAD farms, we observed a higher proportion of increaser II grass species in Alfred Nzo (55.6%), Amathole (53.9%), and Chris Hani (46.4%) DMs. On the other hand, the decreaser grass species were few in Alfred Nzo (16.5%), Amathole (13.8%), and Chris Hani (21.8%). Inferences from the data indicate the need for government and stakeholders’ intervention to farmers through the provision of infrastructures, marketing channels, and training on livestock based programs.</span>展开更多
基金funded by SAMRC with grant number RDG2017/18 and the APC was funded by SMU.
文摘Objective:To determine the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens with a particular focus on Rickettsia spp.in ticks collected from cattle in Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces,South Africa.Methods:A total of 200 ticks were collected from cattle within the Madala livestock,Pretoria,Gauteng Province and in Mankweng Township,Polokwane,Limpopo Province in 2019.The ticks were morphologically identified and processed individually for a total genomic DNA extraction.Specific primers targetting ompA,ompB,and the 17KDa genes were used for a molecular screening and delineation of Rickettsia from the extracted genetic materials using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)technique.PCR amplicons of positive samples were sequenced bidirectionally using the Sanger sequencing method.Sequences generated were processed and analysed using appropriate bioinformatics software.Results:The ticks were morphologically identified as Amblyomma spp.PCR profiling of the genomic DNA samples revealed the presence of the Rickettsia pathogen in 42(21%)of the ticks collected from both Provinces.Out of the genes profiled,14(7%)were positive for 17KDa,42(21%)for ompA and 32(16%)were positive for ompB genes respectively.The nucleotide blast of the sequenced genomes showed high similarity,as high as 100% with other reference Rickettsia(R.)africae in the GenBank.The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences further validated them as R.africae with their characteristic clustering pattern with related reference sequences.Conclusions:There is an abundance of R.africae in Amblyomma ticks collected from cattle in the study areas.This has serious public health implications as individuals who accidentally get infested with the ticks could acquire R.africae.Hence,adequate precautions in terms of sensitization of farmers about the risk and mass mobilization drive to control the vectors in the areas are highly recommended to safeguard public health.
文摘In sub-Saharan Africa,limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises.Here,we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks(Amblyomma marmoreum)collected from the leopard tortoise(Geochelone pardalis)in rural Zambia.Using polymerase chain reaction,56%(49/87)of ticks were positive for the Rickettsia outer membrane protein(ompB)gene.Multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on the ompB,ompA,and citrate synthase(gltA)genes showed that the ticks carried R.africae,and other Rickettsia spp.closely related to R.raoultii,R.massiliae,R.tamurae and R.monacensis.Given the proximity between humans,livestock,and wildlife in these habitats,there exists a considerable risk of transmission of zoonotic Rickettsia to human populations in this rural setting.These results call for heightened awareness and further research into the dynamics of tick-borne diseases in regions where humans and animals coexist,particularly in the context of tortoise-associated ticks as vectors.Understanding and addressing these potential disease vectors is crucial for effective public health measures and the prevention of Rickettsia zoonoses.
文摘Identification of lxodid tick species on livestock in two districts, viz., D.I. Khan and Lakki Marwat of Northern Pakistan were made during the period from March to November 2009 through animals＇ survey and questionnaire. The main tick species were Amblyomma （14.3%）, Boophilus microplus （l 8.5%） and Hyalomma anatolicum and H. dromedarii （67.2%）. Out of 3009 collected ticks, the highest number of female （88.7%） and the lowest of males （ l 1.3%） belong to Boophilus; the lowest number of female （92.4%） and the highest of males （77.5%） belong to Amblyomma. However, cows were more susceptible than buffaloes and camels ranked third to ticks infestation. Moreover, cows, buffalos, goats and sheep harbored mixed infestation （had more than one type of ticks）, however, camels and donkey harbored single infestation （had only one type of tick）. An emerging ethno-veterinary or traditional remedy is poultry keeping for ticks＇ elimination in Lakki Marwat. The results of this research will be helped in taking appropriate measures to reduce tick infestation and to improve management practices. Hence, it will help to increase farm productivity and farmers income.
文摘Little is known on tick-borne pathogens and their role in disease in game reserves in Kenya. Ticks were collected by sterile forceps from restrained cattle hide and placed into labeled falcon tubes. Ticks were screened for pathogens by High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing of specific RT-PCR products of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species. A total of 317 ticks (281 adult ticks and 36 nymphs) comprising seven species were collected around the Tsavo National Reserve (TNR) in Taita Taveta County with Amblyomma gemma being the most commonly collected species (n = 135, 42.6%). From near Shimba Hill game reserve (SHNR), a total of 240 adult’s ticks were sampled, representing eight species, with again Amblyomma gemma being the most sampled species (n = 156, 65%). From Tsavo, a total of three pools of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus were positive for Theileria parva, two pools of Rhipicephaline evertsi for Anaplasma platys and one pool of Amblyomma variegatum nymphs for Rickettsia africae. Rickettsia africae, which causes African tick-bite fever, was detected in two pools of Am. variegatum and one pool of Amblyomma gemma collected near Shimba Hill game reserve. Rickettsia sp. and Anaplasma sp. were detected in Am. gemma and Rh. evertsi respectively. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in a pool of Am. gemma. These findings highlight the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans in regions with high human-wildlife interfaces. Of specific importance, we provide evidence of R. aeschlimannii in A. gemma for the first time, representing a potential new R. aeschlimannii vectors.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">This study presents an integrated examination of livestock production constraints associating with communal farming in six district municipalities (DMs) of the Eastern Cape Province. We collected data on demographic and socio-economic factors from 271 farmers randomly given questionnaires. About 26 Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD) owned by communal farmers were surveyed to ascertain the condition of grazing land, meanwhile, tick species and distribution on cattle and goats found in 158 sampling sites of the study area were also recorded. From the results, a total of 34,929 adult ticks belonging to five genera and 10 species were encountered. The most abundant tick genera were </span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rhipicephalus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of the subgenus <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Boophilus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (68.91%), <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Amblyomma</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">(20.72%), <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Hyalomma</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (8.64%), <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ixodes</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">(1.22%), and <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Haemaphysalis</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (0.51%). By geographic distributions, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Amblyomma</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rhipicephalus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> were common to all DMs, while <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">R</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">microplus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">R</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">decoloratus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">were found in the drier regions</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">From the map plotted for 16 custom feeding centers, lack of marketing channels (23%), poor animal conditions (20%), lack of infrastructure (19%), high price of medicine (14%), shortage of feed (10%), stock theft (8%), and age of animals (too old) to be marketed (6%) are the major shortcomings in red meat production. We found that the associations between gender (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">χ</span></i><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 31.3481, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">p</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> < 0.0001), age (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">χ</span></i><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 32.4889, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">p</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> < 0.0001), and farming experience (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">χ</span></i><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> = 52.7556, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">p</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> < 0.0001) were significantly (<i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">p</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> < 0.05) higher. Additionally, we found that farming commodities were significantly influenced by gender and farming experience. From the surveyed LRAD farms, we observed a higher proportion of increaser II grass species in Alfred Nzo (55.6%), Amathole (53.9%), and Chris Hani (46.4%) DMs. On the other hand, the decreaser grass species were few in Alfred Nzo (16.5%), Amathole (13.8%), and Chris Hani (21.8%). Inferences from the data indicate the need for government and stakeholders’ intervention to farmers through the provision of infrastructures, marketing channels, and training on livestock based programs.</span>
