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Liu B, Liu H, Ren C, Hu D, Chen Y, Sun H, Chen Z, Liu Y. Isolation of Rickettsia heilongjiangensis (Strain AH-19) from Haemaphysalis longicornis on a Wild Hedgehog in Anhui Province, China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 39239732 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2024.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Spotted fever group rickettsioses, caused by rickettsiae of the spotted fever group, pose a significant zoonotic threat to public health. In endemic areas of Anhui Province, China, the ecology and transmission dynamics of these pathogens remain under investigation. Methods: We isolated a rickettsial strain from Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks collected from a wild hedgehog in the Dabie Mountain area. Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis were employed to confirm the strain. Pathological examinations of the hedgehog's tissues were conducted to assess the potential impact of the infection. Results: The isolated strain was identified as R. heilongjiangensis strain AH-19. Pathological examination revealed significant tissue alterations, including cellular vacuolization, necrosis, and disarray of tissue architecture. It remains uncertain whether these changes were directly attributable to the rickettsial infection or other factors. Conclusions: The identification of R. heilongjiangensis strain AH-19 in H. longicornis suggests that hedgehogs may serve as reservoir hosts in the Dabie Mountain area.Further research is needed to clarify their role in the ecology and epidemiology of this pathogen, which could inform future public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyu Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Cuiping Ren
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Danyou Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Haotian Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Smit A, Mulandane F, Labuschagne M, Wójick SH, Malabwa C, Sili G, Mandara S, Dlamkile Z, Ackermann R, Rose Vineer H, Stoltsz WH, Huber K, Horak IG, Morar-Leather D, Makepeace BL, Neves L. Intra- and interspecific variation of Amblyomma ticks from southern Africa. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:364. [PMID: 39198812 PMCID: PMC11351087 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06394-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amblyomma spp. ticks, known for their long mouthparts, bright ornate appearance and aggressive hunting behaviour, are vectors of a number of important pathogens. In southern Africa, 17 Amblyomma spp. are currently documented. Of these species, Amblyomma hebraeum and Amblyomma variegatum have been well studied due to their wide geographical range and their status as competent vectors of pathogens that are of veterinary and medical importance. Studies on other Amblyomma spp. in southern Africa have been neglected, fostering ongoing debates on the validity of certain species such as Amblyomma pomposum. This study investigated the inter- and intra-species variation of Amblyomma ticks collected in southern Africa, focusing on resolving the dispute about A. pomposum and A. variegatum being distinct species. METHODS Four Amblyomma tick species were collected from Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and were identified morphologically as Amblyomma eburneum (208), A. hebraeum (4758), A. pomposum (191) and A. variegatum (2577) using identification keys. Gene amplification targeting the 12S and 16S rRNA, cytochrome oxidase I, cytochrome B and internal transcribed spacer-2 genes was conducted for 204 ticks, for which varying success was achieved during amplification for each of the markers. Maximum likelihood analyses were performed in IQ-TREE. RESULTS The phylogenetic topologies and ABGD analyses of each individual gene clustered A. pomposum within the A. variegatum clade, while clearly separating A. eburneum and A. hebraeum from all other species. None of the genetic markers indicated intraspecific structuring on the basis of geographical origin, despite great distances between sampling sites. CONCLUSION Our study concludes that there is insufficient molecular evidence to differentiate A. pomposum and A. variegatum from each other. We highlight the need for whole mitochondrial genome sequencing of these two species to resolve the ongoing controversies. Furthermore, we propose mating and hybrid viability studies between the two species to confirm their reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andeliza Smit
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa.
| | | | - Martinet Labuschagne
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa
| | - Stephané Heike Wójick
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa
| | | | - Gourgelia Sili
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, Huambo, Angola
| | - Stephen Mandara
- Department of Animal Production Sciences, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe
| | - Zinathi Dlamkile
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa
| | - Rebecca Ackermann
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa
| | - Hannah Rose Vineer
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Wilhelm Heinrich Stoltsz
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa
| | - Karine Huber
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Ivan Gerard Horak
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa
| | - Darshana Morar-Leather
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa
| | - Benjamin Lawrence Makepeace
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Luis Neves
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa
- Biotechnology Center, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
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Malik A, Afshan K, Okla MK, Saleh IA, Razzaq A, Hussain M, Firasat S, Lika E, Fuentes MV. Revealing tick diversity: Chemical profiling and dynamics in scanning microscopy and molecular phylogenetics. Microsc Res Tech 2024. [PMID: 38884334 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the evolutionary trajectories of Rhipicephalus ticks (Ixodidae) through the interpretation of molecular phylogenetics, elucidating their chromatographic spectrum. The use of advanced chromatographic tools in this study explored the dynamics chemical profiling, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary history and ecological adaptations. Prevalence of Rhipicephalus ticks was 4.5% in sheep and 3.9% in goats. The ITS2 sequence of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus (OK642408) and Rhipicephalus microplus (OK642409) form a distinct clade with sequences from other countries. The 16S rRNA sequences of R. sanguineus (OK560870) clustered with sequences form three lineages, tropical, temperate, and south-eastern. The Cox I gene-identified Rhipicephalus turanicus (OK623472) and R. microplus (OK623463) form separate clades with sequences. The HPLC chromatogram of tick samples reveals a diverse array of identified hydrocarbons, explained the complex chemical composition of their exoskeletons. This analytical approach provides valuable insights into the specific hydrocarbon profiles, allowing for potential applications in species differentiation, ecological studies, and a deeper understanding of the functional roles played by hydrocarbon compounds in tick physiology. The findings revealed the potential of applying molecular phylogenetics tools with chromatography not only to enhance our understanding of tick evolution but also to inform strategies for disease control and management in regions where Rhipicephalus ticks (Ixodidae) are endemic. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Chemical mapping utilizing advanced chromatographic techniques. Scanning microscopic insights high-resolution scanning tool to observe structural and morphological features of ticks at a molecular level. Molecular phylogeny data elucidate the evolutionary relationships among tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Malik
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kiran Afshan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad K Okla
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abdul Razzaq
- Animal Sciences Division, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Munib Hussain
- Animal Sciences Division, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sabika Firasat
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Erinda Lika
- Department of Preclinical Subject, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Màrius Vicent Fuentes
- Departament de Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, València, Spain
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Addo SO, Bentil RE, Mosore MT, Behene E, Adinkrah J, Tagoe J, Yeboah C, Baako BOA, Atibila D, Kwarteng SA, Poku-Asante K, Owusu-Darbo E, Asoala V, Mingle DL, Nyarko EO, Fox AT, Letizia AG, William JD, Nimo-Paintsil S, Harwood JF, Dadzie SK. Risk factors affecting the feeding site predilection of ticks on cattle in Ghana. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 92:835-850. [PMID: 38578579 PMCID: PMC11065925 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00906-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Ticks are important disease vectors affecting animal health and causing substantial economic loss, especially in the tropics and subtropics. To examine the tick burden of cattle and associated risk factors for tick infestation, ticks were collected from 388 cattle within five regions in Ghana. Most of the cattle were males (50.3%) and generally older than 3 years (65%). Of the animals sampled, 2187 ticks were collected with a mean tick burden of 5.6 ticks per cattle, and the average tick burden on the udder/scrotum being significantly higher than in the anal region (Generalized Linear Mix Model [GLMM], p = 0.01197). The tick species identified were predominantly Amblyomma variegatum (42.6%) and Hyalomma rufipes (26.2%). High proportions of cattle examined were found to have A. variegatum infesting the udder/scrotum. Furthermore, H. rufipes infested mostly the anal region compared to other examined body parts (OR 14.8, 95% CI 8.6-25.4, p < 0.001). Using the GLMM, tick abundance was found to be significantly higher in cattle older than 3 years. The tick burden in the udder/scrotum was higher than that from the chest and leg/thigh of the cattle (GLMM, p < 0.05). The tick burden at the anal region was also significantly higher than the leg/thigh and chest. This study indicates that the preferred attachment sites of ticks on cattle are species-dependent and effective treatment with acaricides should take into consideration the udder/scrotum and anal regions as well as prioritizing older cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Ronald Essah Bentil
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mba-Tihssommah Mosore
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Behene
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Julian Adinkrah
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Janice Tagoe
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Clara Yeboah
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Dorcas Atibila
- Entomology Unit, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Sandra Abankwa Kwarteng
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwaku Poku-Asante
- Entomology Unit, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Ellis Owusu-Darbo
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana
| | - Daniel Lartei Mingle
- Public Health Division, 37 Military Hospital, Ghana Armed Forces Medical Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Edward Owusu Nyarko
- Public Health Division, 37 Military Hospital, Ghana Armed Forces Medical Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anne T Fox
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrew G Letizia
- Infectious Diseases Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Samuel Kweku Dadzie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Nasirian H. Hard Tick Species Parasitism Levels in Domestic Ruminants with Their Distribution and Role as Vectors: A Detailed Global Meta-analysis and Systematic Review. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1-105. [PMID: 37987883 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00724-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This comprehensive global meta-analysis reviews the parasitism levels of tick genera and species, life stages, seasonality, attachment sites, the global mean ranks of tick species parasitism rates and records, and their distribution and role as vectors. METHODS From the 418 papers identified, 390 papers were selected to become part of the study. RESULTS The genera recorded as infesting domestic ruminants were Rhipicephalus (42 species), Haemaphysalis (32 species), Hyalomma (19 species), Amblyomma (18 species), Ixodes (10 species), Dermacentor (8 species), Margaropus and Nosomma (1 species). Globally, domestic ruminants are more infested by adult females and males than by the nymphal and larval stages of the tick species. The global tick species parasitism levels at the attachment sites of domestic ruminants were, in order, tail and anal region, neck and dewlap, scrotum or udder, ear region, thigh and abdomen, and dorsal surface. CONCLUSIONS Among 131 species of eight genera of hard ticks recorded infesting domestic ruminants, 42 species had mean ranks of tick species parasitism rates up to 10%, and 37 species had mean ranks of tick species parasitism up to 10 records. Briefly, the higher the indexes of tick species parasitism rates and records, the more important their role as vectors. In addition, the majority of them are found among tick species-infested humans with nearly high ranks of tick species parasitism rates and records that double their medical, veterinary, and zoonotic importance to be the most common vectors and reservoirs of bacterial, protozoan, and viral pathogenic microorganisms, causing severe infectious diseases, and as a result, can be more dangerous to humans and domestic ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nasirian
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Lilak AA, Pecor DB, Matulis G, Potter AM, Wofford RN, Kearney MF, Mitchell S, Jaradat F, Kano A, Zimmerman DM, Hassell JM, Kumsa B, Kamau M, Linton YM, von Fricken ME. Data release: targeted systematic literature search for tick and tick-borne pathogen distributions in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa from 1901 to 2020. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:84. [PMID: 38389097 PMCID: PMC10885379 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06086-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surveillance data documenting tick and tick-borne disease (TBD) prevalence is needed to develop risk assessments and implement control strategies. Despite extensive research in Africa, there is no standardized, comprehensive review. METHODS Here we tackle this knowledge gap, by producing a comprehensive review of research articles on ticks and TBD between 1901 and 2020 in Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Over 8356 English language articles were recovered. Our search strategy included 19 related MeSH terms. Articles were reviewed, and 331 met inclusion criteria. Articles containing mappable data were compiled into a standardized data schema, georeferenced, and uploaded to VectorMap. RESULTS Tick and pathogen matrixes were created, providing information on vector distributions and tick-pathogen associations within the six selected African countries. CONCLUSIONS These results provide a digital, mappable database of current and historical tick and TBD distributions across six countries in Africa, which can inform specific risk modeling, determine surveillance gaps, and guide future surveillance priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail A Lilak
- One Health Center of Excellence, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David B Pecor
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Graham Matulis
- One Health Center of Excellence, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alexander M Potter
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Stephanie Mitchell
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
| | | | - Arisa Kano
- George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Dawn M Zimmerman
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James M Hassell
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bersissa Kumsa
- Department of Pathology & Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Maureen Kamau
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Mpala Research Center, Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - Yvonne-Marie Linton
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael E von Fricken
- One Health Center of Excellence, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Nasirian H. Monitoring of hard tick parasitism in domestic ruminants: A scale evidence for policymakers. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 41:100878. [PMID: 37208083 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Domestic ruminants such as camels, cattle, goats, and sheep represent a substantial part of the global world economy. Hard ticks are well-known as obligatory bloodsucking ectoparasites of domestic ruminants. Policymakers need to get results that show the global distribution of tick genera and species, their parasitic levels, and their roles as disease vectors in camels, cattle, goats, and sheep. Iran is endemic to a broad range of hard tick-borne diseases. A study that reviews the tick genera and species, life stage, seasonal and attachment site parasitism levels, the global mean ranks of tick species parasitism rates and records, and their distribution in target animals would be of particular importance. Accordingly, this review aims to summarize the above objectives. After evaluating the identified articles, 147 were selected to be part of the survey based on the study objectives. Globally, tick parasitism levels were 28.7, 29.9, 36.0 and 47.6% for goats, cattle, sheep, and camels, respectively. The tick parasitism trends have exhibited an increasing trend for camels and sheep over the years while remaining constant for cattle and goats, indicating that current tick control measures are not being properly followed. Ticks tend to parasitize females more than males because males are more resistant to certain pests than females. The distribution of tick genera and species, their parasitism levels, and their roles as disease vectors provided. This information addresses the needs of decision-makers to make decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nasirian
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran; Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Paguem A, Manchang K, Kamtsap P, Renz A, Schaper S, Dobler G, Bakkes DK, Chitimia-Dobler L. Ticks and Rickettsiae Associated with Wild Animals Sold in Bush Meat Markets in Cameroon. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020348. [PMID: 36839620 PMCID: PMC9964434 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligate blood-sucking parasites of wild animals and transmit many zoonotic microorganisms that can spread to domesticated animals and then to humans. In Cameroon, little is known about tick diversity among wildlife, especially for animals which are hunted for human consumption. Therefore, this survey was undertaken to investigate tick and Rickettsia species diversity parasitizing the wild animals sold in bush meat markets in Cameroon. In total, 686 ticks were collected and identified to the species level based on morphology, and some were genetically analyzed using the 16S rRNA gene. Eighteen tick species belonging to five genera were identified: Amblyomma spp. (Amblyomma compressum, Amblyomma flavomaculatum, and Amblyomma variegatum), Haemaphysalis spp. (Haemaphysalis camicasi, Haemaphysalis houyi, Haemaphysalis leachi, and Haemaphysalis parmata), Hyalomma spp. (Hyalomma nitidum, Hyalomma rufipes, and Hyalomma truncatum), Ixodes spp. (Ixodes rasus and Ixodes moreli), and Rhipicephalus spp. (Rhipicephalus guilhoni, Rhipicephalus moucheti, Rhipicephalus muhsamae, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus camicasi, and Rhipicephalus linnaei). In terms of Rickettsia important for public health, two Rickettsia spp., namely Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia africae, were detected in Hyalomma spp. and Amblyomma spp., respectively. Distinct tick-pathogen patterns were present for divergent sequences of R. africae associated with exclusively A. variegatum vectors (type strain) versus vectors comprising A. compressum, A. flavomaculatum, and A. variegatum. This suggests possible effects of vector species population dynamics on pathogen population circulation dynamics. Furthermore, Candidatus Rickettsia africaustralis was detected for the first time in Cameroon in I. rasus. This study highlights the high diversity of ticks among wildlife sold in bush meat markets in Cameroon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archile Paguem
- Department of Comparative Zoology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Kingsley Manchang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
- Bangangte Multipurpose Research Station, Bangangte P.O. Box 222, Cameroon
| | - Pierre Kamtsap
- Department of Comparative Zoology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alfons Renz
- Department of Comparative Zoology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sabine Schaper
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Deon K. Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Ayebare D, Menya M, Mulyowa A, Muhwezi A, Tweyongyere R, Atim SA. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever among livestock value chain actors in Kagadi district, Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011107. [PMID: 36730376 PMCID: PMC9928074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic tick-borne disease with an increasing number of outbreaks among communities in Uganda. Following the disease outbreak in the western district of Kagadi on 20th February 2020, a KAP survey was conducted to identify knowledge gaps and at-risk behaviors related to the disease among livestock value chain actors. METHODS A household survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted in 399 households in the two sub counties of Bwikara and Ruteete, Kagadi district. A focus group discussion with members of the community was conducted as well as key informant interviews with at-risk individuals. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed using STATA version 13 (Statacorp Texas; USA). Comparative analysis of the data from the two sub counties was also performed using cross tabulations in STATA, between each independent variable and the subcounty variable. The descriptive and comparative statistics used were minimum, mean and maximum values, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, chi square values and t-statistics. A chi-square test was then employed on each tabulation, to determine whether there was an association between the two categorical variables or not. The test was set at an alpha level of 0.05, and where the p-value was less than or equal to the alpha value, we concluded that the 2 variables were associated. RESULTS Although majority of the respondents believed in the existence of the disease, only 12.8% had knowledge of prevention measures against CCHF. 67.2% of the respondents reported regular interaction with ticks during routine farm operations and they employed tick control measures on their farms. Although the respondents believe the disease is fatal, almost all of them (99%) would welcome a CCHF survivor back into the community. 95.2% of the respondents actively attended to animals but only 25.8% participated in slaughtering animals. Qualitatively, the technical informants had knowledge about CCHF but non technical informants hardly knew about the disease. Limited funding appropriated for local governments, as well as limited engagement in One health activities were some of the barriers highlighted towards the infection prevention and control activities. Most of the focus group discussion participants knew about the disease, but lacked knowledge on its transmission and prevention. Limited access to personal protective equipment and high exposure to tick-prevalent areas when slaughtering and grazing animals respectively, were the major challenges highlighted. CONCLUSION Knowledge on CCHF among majority of the respondents was poor. There is a need for educational programs to increase awareness of CCHF in communities. This awareness should be done by both the community leaders and technical people to ensure the community receives enough knowledge on how to prevent and control the disease. To ensure effectiveness of these programs a One health approach should be adopted to implement prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dreck Ayebare
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | | | | | - Stella A. Atim
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
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Moravedji M, Beig M, Baseri N, Rahravani M, Latifian M, Esmaeili S. Molecular detection of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in domestic ruminants and their ticks in selected areas of western Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 2023; 24:270-275. [PMID: 38269017 PMCID: PMC10804434 DOI: 10.22099/ijvr.2023.47192.6806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases caused by Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella. Detection of Brucella species in different countries is of utmost importance. Aims This study aimed to detect Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in domestic ruminant blood samples and their ticks in western Iran. Methods Sampling was conducted on ruminants from August to September 2020 in four different counties of Kurdistan Province, including Divandareh, Marivan, Baneh, and Sanandaj. Totally, 250 blood samples were collected from 250 small ruminants. There were no ticks on the skin of six (2.4%) ruminants, and 244 ticks were isolated from 244 animals. After genomic DNA extraction from all the collected samples, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect IS711 gene. Results Based on qPCR results, Brucella genus was detected in two blood samples (0.8%) from female sheep and four ticks (1.6%) from male sheep, including three Dermacentor marginatus (1.22%) and one Rhipicephalus turanicus (0.4%). Although B. melitensis was not detected in any tick or blood sample, one tick sample (D. marginatus) was positive for B. abortus. Conclusion Considering the positivity of ticks for brucellosis in this study, there is a possibility of Brucella transmission from infected ticks to humans and animals through tick bites, nevertheless, in order to identify the Brucella transmission relationship between ticks and animals, serological tests should be used in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Moravedji
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
- These authors contributed equally in this study and should be considered as the first author
| | - M. Beig
- Ph.D. Student in Medical Bacteriology, Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Ph.D. Student in Medical Bacteriology, National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- These authors contributed equally in this study and should be considered as the first author
| | - N. Baseri
- Ph.D. in Medical Bacteriology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Ph.D. in Medical Bacteriology, National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
| | - M. Rahravani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - M. Latifian
- BSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences, National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
| | - S. Esmaeili
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
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Hu H, Du X, Ma H, Chen S, Zheng W. Severe Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick infestation in a home from rural area of Nanchang in China. Parasitol Int 2022; 90:102610. [PMID: 35716885 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
On October 13, 2021, a tick infestation occurred in a home in rural area of Nanchang city, China, and we were asked to inspect the tick infestation. Ticks were collected in the largest number on courtyard door jambs, followed by living room and bedroom door jambs. Ticks were identified morphologically as Rhipicephalus sanguineus adults. The 16S rRNA analysis effectively distinguished the ticks in this study from other Rhipicephalus species, including R. sanguineus south-east, temperate and tropical lineages and identified genetically as R. sanguineus south China lineage. Tick samples were subjected to conventional PCR analysis and detected negative for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. Our findings indicate that there was low transmission risk of tick-borne pathogens to humans in the tick-infested home. Further studies are needed to proactively investigate the tick species in Nanchang, and determine the presence of tick-borne pathogens for assessing their threat to human health in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Hu
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Xinghuang Du
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanchang county, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330200, China
| | - Hongmei Ma
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Shengen Chen
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China.
| | - Weiqing Zheng
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China.
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Kaba T. Geographical distribution of ixodid ticks and tick-borne pathogens of domestic animals in Ethiopia: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:108. [PMID: 35346354 PMCID: PMC8961985 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ethiopia, ixodid ticks and associated tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are of great importance from both a veterinary and public health point of view. This review aimed at compiling available published data on the distribution of ixodid tick species and TBPs in the country. METHODS A standard review approach was employed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Published peer-reviewed articles and theses/dissertations reporting on ixodid ticks and TBPs in Ethiopia were searched using different keywords in many electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, African Journals OnLine, and institutional repositories. Articles were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria using the PRISMA flowchart. Data were retrieved from eligible articles and recorded in a preformed data record sheet. Descriptive statistics were employed to present data using graphs. QGIS (Quantum GIS) software version 3.4.5 was used to show the distribution of ixodid tick species and TBPs. RESULTS Overall, 35 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Of these, 24 articles report only on ixodid ticks of domestic animals, six articles report only on TBPs in livestock or ticks, and five articles report on both ticks and TBPs in either animals or ticks. Of these studies, 54% were in the Oromia region, while only 3% of studies were in the Benishangul-Gumuz region. The Gambela region lacked studies on ticks and TBPs. At least 19 ixodid tick species have been recorded from different domestic animals including cattle, small ruminants, donkeys, horses, camels, dogs, and cats. Morphological characterization appears to be the sole method of tick species identification in the country. The distribution and abundance of specific tick species depend on geographical locations and agroecological factors. Sixteen molecularly confirmed TBPs have been identified in animal and tick tissue using molecular methods from only four administrative regions, despite the wide distribution of ticks. Among TBPs, five Anaplasma, two Ehrlichia, two Rickettsia, five Theileria, two Babesia, and one Coxiella species are the major pathogens in both livestock and humans. CONCLUSIONS Many ixodid ticks circulate in a wide geographical zone of Ethiopia. However, the limited reports on TBPs at the country level in general, and the absence of either tick or TBP reports around the border region with neighboring countries in particular, highlights the need for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamirat Kaba
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, College of Agricultural Science, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
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Balinandi S, Hayer J, Cholleti H, Wille M, Lutwama JJ, Malmberg M, Mugisha L. Identification and molecular characterization of highly divergent RNA viruses in cattle, Uganda. Virus Res 2022; 313:198739. [PMID: 35271887 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The risk for the emergence of novel viral zoonotic diseases in animals and humans in Uganda is high given its geographical location with high biodiversity. We aimed to identify and characterize viruses in 175 blood samples from cattle selected in Uganda using molecular approaches. We identified 8 viral species belonging to 4 families (Flaviviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Reoviridae and Rhabdoviridae) and 6 genera (Hepacivirus, Pestivirus, Orthobunyavirus, Coltivirus, Dinovernavirus and Ephemerovirus). Four viruses were highly divergent and tetantively named Zikole virus (Family: Flaviviridae), Zeboroti virus (Family: Reoviridae), Zebtine virus (Family: Rhabdoviridae) and Kokolu virus (Family: Rhabdoviridae). In addition, Bovine hepacivirus, Obodhiang virus, Aedes pseudoscutellaris reovirus and Schmallenberg virus were identified for the first time in Ugandan cattle. We report 8 viral species belonging to 4 viral families including divergent ones in the blood of cattle in Uganda. Hence, cattle may be reservoir hosts for likely emergence of novel viruses with pathogenic potential to cause zoonotic diseases in different species with serious public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Balinandi
- Uganda Virus Research Institute; Entebbe, Uganda; College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Juliette Hayer
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Harindranath Cholleti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michelle Wille
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Maja Malmberg
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Ecohealth Research Group, Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance (CEHA), Kampala, Uganda.
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Detailed new insights about tick infestations in domestic ruminant groups: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:526-601. [DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01460-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Rafiq N, Naseem M, Kakar A, Shirazi JH, Masood MI. A preliminary evaluation of tick cement-cone protein extract for a vaccine against Hyalomma infestation. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 2022; 23:255-264. [PMID: 36425603 PMCID: PMC9681977 DOI: 10.22099/ijvr.2022.43366.6328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccines have been widely exploited to prevent tick-borne infections in cattle. Most vaccines have faced failure in the field because of inconsistency in an immune response. It is presumed that the cement-cone proteins of ticks that participate in the acquisition of blood meal for ticks possess strong immune-stimulating properties and, hence, could be a useful candidate in vaccine development. AIMS We evaluated cement-cone proteins of tick Hyalomma anatolicum as a vaccine candidate against infestations of H. anatolicum and H. aegyptium in cattle. METHODS The cement-cone proteins were extracted from H. anatolicum to develop stage-reactive and immunogenic cross-reactive vaccine against the infestation of two species of ticks H. anatolicum and H. aegyptium. The immune response of the vaccine was tested against cement-cone proteins starved, partially fed, and richly fed ticks. RESULTS The findings of the present study demonstrated the cross-reactivity among the two species of ticks that belonged to the same genus (Hyalomma). The antigenic similarity between the two ticks species suggests that a common antigen may possibly be suitable for a vaccine against the two different species of ticks. The results have also indicated that the 23 kDa cement-cone protein of H. anatolicum and H. aegyptium may be responsible for the induction, or elicitation of immunogenic, common stage reactive, and cross-reactive host immune responses with consistent intensity throughout the life stages of ticks. CONCLUSION The vaccine based upon cement-cone proteins of ticks may be a useful deterrent against tick-borne infections in cattle in countries like Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Rafiq
- Department of Zoology, SBK Women University, Quetta-87300, Pakistan
| | - M. Naseem
- Department of Zoology, University of Balochistan, Quetta-87300, Pakistan
| | - A. Kakar
- Department of Zoology, University of Balochistan, Quetta-87300, Pakistan
| | - J. H. Shirazi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur-63100, Pakistan
| | - M. I. Masood
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore-54000, Pakistan, and Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, D-66123, Germany, and Working Group Enteric Nervous System, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Campus Zweibrücken, 66482, Germany
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Byaruhanga C, Akure PC, Lubembe DM, Sibeko-Matjila K, Troskie M, Oosthuizen MC, Stoltsz H. Molecular detection and characterisation of protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in ticks from cattle in the pastoral area of Karamoja, Uganda. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101709. [PMID: 33743472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) significantly affect cattle production and the livelihoods of communities in pastoralist areas. Data on protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in ticks infesting cattle in Uganda is scanty; while it is an indicator of the likelihood of disease transmission and occurrence. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst cattle in the Karamoja Region, northeastern Uganda, from July through September 2017, to determine the tick species diversity, identify protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in the ticks, and characterise pathogenic species by sequence and phylogenetic analyses. About 50 % of the ticks detected from each predilection site on each animal were collected from 100 purposively-selected cattle from 20 randomly-selected herds. Twelve tick species belonging to the genera Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma were identified, the most abundant being Amblyomma lepidum (93.9 %), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (2.0 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (1.0 %). Tick species that have not been reported in recent studies amongst cattle in Uganda were found, namely Rhipicephalus pravus, Rhipicephalus praetextatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. The ticks were grouped into 40 pools, by species and location, and the reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation assay was used to detect pathogens from the ticks. The most frequently detected tick-borne parasites were Theileria mutans, Theileria velifera and Theileria parva, each observed in 25 % (10/40) of the tick pools. Tick-borne pathogens, namely Babesia rossi, Babesia microti and Theileria sp. (sable) that are not common to, or not known to infect, cattle were identified from ticks. The gene encoding Ehrlichia ruminantium pCS20 region, the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene, and T. parva p67 sporozoite antigen gene were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Seven novel E. ruminantium pCS20 variants were identified, and these grouped into two separate clusters with sequences from other parts of Africa and Asia. The T. parva p67 sequences were of the allele type 1, and parasites possessing this allele type are commonly associated with East Coast fever in eastern Africa. Analysis of the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that they were closely related to Rickettsia africae and to a new Ehrlichia species variant recently found in China. Our R. africae 16S rRNA sequences grouped with R. africae isolates from Nigeria, Egypt and Benin. The information on tick species diversity and pathogens in the various tick species provides an indicator of potential transmission amongst cattle populations, and to humans, and can be useful to estimate disease risk and in control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Byaruhanga
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; National Agricultural Research Organisation, P.O. Box 259, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Patience C Akure
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Donald M Lubembe
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, 20115, Kenya
| | - Kgomotso Sibeko-Matjila
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Milana Troskie
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Marinda C Oosthuizen
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Hein Stoltsz
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
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Balinandi S, von Brömssen C, Tumusiime A, Kyondo J, Kwon H, Monteil VM, Mirazimi A, Lutwama J, Mugisha L, Malmberg M. Serological and molecular study of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in cattle from selected districts in Uganda. J Virol Methods 2021; 290:114075. [PMID: 33515661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne viral hemorrhagic disease caused by Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) that poses serious public health challenges in many parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. METHODS We examined 500 cattle sera samples from five districts for CCHFV antibodies using in-house and commercially available (IDVet) ELISA, Immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS 500 cattle (73.8 % females) were analyzed; CCHFV seropositivity was 12.6 % (n = 63) and 75.0 % (n = 375) with the in-house and IDVet ELISAs, respectively. Seropositivity was associated with geographical location, increasing age, being female, and having a higher tick burden. Twenty four out of the 37 (64.8 %) were seropositive for CCHFV using IFA and all were negative for virus on RT-PCR. The IFA results were more comparable to IDVet (κcoefficient = 0.88, p = <0.01) than to in-house (κcoefficient = 0.32, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the presence and high prevalence of anti-CCHF antibodies in cattle based on three methods from all the five study districts, confirming presence and exposure of CCHFV. Given the zoonotic potential for CCHFV, we recommend a multidisciplinary public health surveillance and epidemiology of CCHFV in both animals and humans throughout the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Balinandi
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Claudia von Brömssen
- Division of Applied Statistics and Mathematics, Department of Engergy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7013, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden.
| | - Alex Tumusiime
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Jackson Kyondo
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Hyesoo Kwon
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, 751 89, Sweden.
| | - Vanessa M Monteil
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska Hospital University, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden.
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, 751 89, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska Hospital University, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden; Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, 171 82, Sweden.
| | - Julius Lutwama
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Ecohealth Research Group, Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance (CEHA), Box 34153, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Maja Malmberg
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden; SLU Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden.
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Kasozi KI, Welburn SC, Batiha GES, Marraiki N, Nalumenya DP, Namayanja M, Matama K, Zalwango KK, Matovu W, Zirintunda G, Ekou J, Kembabazi S, Mugasa CM, Kitibwa A, Tayebwa DS, Musinguzi SP, Mahero M, Ssengendo I, Nanteza A, Matovu E, MacLeod ET. Molecular epidemiology of anaplasmosis in small ruminants along a human-livestock-wildlife interface in Uganda. Heliyon 2020; 7:e05688. [PMID: 33437885 PMCID: PMC7788096 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Information as regards the epidemiology of the Anaplasmataceae in small ruminants in several low- and middle-income countries is scarce. Methods In this study a total of 712 DNA samples collected from small ruminants were analyzed for Anaplasmataceae and Anaplasma ovis using the 16S rRNA and MSP4 genes respectively. Infection risk was assessed by location, sex and age of the animals and qGIS® was used to construct spatial maps. Results The prevalence of Anaplasmataceae spp was 89.1% (95% CI: 77.5–95.9) and 79.1% (95% CI: 75.9–82.1) in ovines and caprines respectively (RR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0–1.3); higher than those previously reported in other eastern African countries. The prevalence of A. ovis was 26.1% and 25.4% for both ovines and caprines respectively with ovines showing significantly higher levels of infection than caprines (P < 0.05). The risk of Anaplasma ovis infections was not affected by age (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9–1.7) or sex (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6–2.0). Small ruminants located at the forest edge (<0.3 km) showed higher A. ovis prevalence than those found inland with infections present in the midland regions associated with increased agricultural activity. Conclusion Anaplasma ovis remains a major challenge for small ruminant husbandry in Uganda and infections are under-reported. Policy efforts to prioritize management of Anaplasmataceae for small ruminant health would promote livestock productivity in vulnerable communities, improving livelihoods and ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, United Kingdom
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Box 203 Soroti, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, Box 317 Kabale, Uganda
- Corresponding author.
| | - Susan Christina Welburn
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, United Kingdom
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining 314400, China
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Najat Marraiki
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Paul Nalumenya
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Monica Namayanja
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kevin Matama
- Kampala International University Western Campus, Box 71 Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Kelly Katenta Zalwango
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Wycliff Matovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gerald Zirintunda
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Box 203 Soroti, Uganda
| | - Justine Ekou
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Box 203 Soroti, Uganda
| | | | - Claire Mack Mugasa
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Annah Kitibwa
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dickson Stuart Tayebwa
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon Peter Musinguzi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Kabale University, Box 315 Kabale, Uganda
| | - Michael Mahero
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - Ibrahim Ssengendo
- Kampala International University Western Campus, Box 71 Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Anne Nanteza
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Enock Matovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ewan Thomas MacLeod
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, United Kingdom
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Springer A, Shuaib YA, Isaa MH, Ezz-Eldin MIE, Osman AY, Yagoub IA, Abdalla MA, Bakiet AO, Mohmed-Noor SET, Schaper S, Rieß R, Dobler G, Strube C, Bakkes DK, Chitimia-Dobler L. Tick Fauna and Associated Rickettsia, Theileria, and Babesia spp. in Domestic Animals in Sudan (North Kordofan and Kassala States). Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1969. [PMID: 33322349 PMCID: PMC7763929 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) have a major economic impact on animal production worldwide. In the present study, 2410 ticks were collected from January to August 2017 from livestock and other domestic animals in North Kordofan and Kassala, Sudan, for species identification and investigation of Rickettsia spp. and piroplasms, either individually or as pools containing up to 10 ticks by molecular methods. In total, 13 tick species were identified by morphology and 16S rDNA sequencing. The most frequent tick species were Hyalomma impeltatum (24.90%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (18.84%), Amblyomma lepidum (16.06%), and Rhipicephalus camicasi (12.49%). A pan-Rickettsia real-time PCR revealed an overall minimum infection rate (MIR) with Rickettsia spp. of 5.64% (136 positive tick pools/2410 total ticks). Rickettsia africae and Rickettsia aeschlimannii were the most frequently identified species by sequencing. Furthermore, the following highly pathogenic livestock parasites were detected: Theileria annulata, Theileria lestoquardi, Theileria equi, and Babesia caballi. The present study documented Rhipicephalus afranicus as well as Rickettsia conorii israelensis, Rickettsia massiliae, and Babesia pecorum for the first time in Sudan. These findings are significant for the animal production sector as well as in terms of One Health, as the detected Rickettsia spp. can cause serious illness in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany;
| | - Yassir Adam Shuaib
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Hilat Kuku, Khartoum North 13321, Sudan; (Y.A.S.); (M.A.A.); (A.O.B.)
| | - Makarim Habib Isaa
- Veterinary Research Institute, Soba, Khartoum 11121, Sudan; (M.H.I.); (I.A.Y.)
| | | | - Abdinasir Yusuf Osman
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield AL9 7TA, Hertfordshire, UK;
| | - Idris Ahmed Yagoub
- Veterinary Research Institute, Soba, Khartoum 11121, Sudan; (M.H.I.); (I.A.Y.)
| | - Mohamed Abdalsalam Abdalla
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Hilat Kuku, Khartoum North 13321, Sudan; (Y.A.S.); (M.A.A.); (A.O.B.)
| | - Amel Omer Bakiet
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Hilat Kuku, Khartoum North 13321, Sudan; (Y.A.S.); (M.A.A.); (A.O.B.)
| | | | - Sabine Schaper
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (S.S.); (R.R.); (G.D.); (L.C.-D.)
| | - Ramona Rieß
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (S.S.); (R.R.); (G.D.); (L.C.-D.)
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (S.S.); (R.R.); (G.D.); (L.C.-D.)
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany;
| | - Deon K. Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (S.S.); (R.R.); (G.D.); (L.C.-D.)
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20
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Nchu F, Nyangiwe N, Muhanguzi D, Nzalawahe J, Nagagi YP, Msalya G, Joseph NA, Kimaro EG, Mollel M, Temba V, Harouna DV. Development of a practical framework for sustainable surveillance and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Africa. Vet World 2020; 13:1910-1921. [PMID: 33132605 PMCID: PMC7566270 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1910-1921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A workshop on ticks and tick-borne diseases (T&TBDs) was held on June 25 and 26, 2019, at the Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Arusha, Tanzania. The objectives of the workshop were to discuss the current situation and to formulate actionable strategies to improve surveillance and control of T&TBDs in Africa. The workshop was funded by the National Research Foundation and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and attended by livestock health providers, farmers, and researchers from East, West, and Southern African countries. During the workshop, experts presented recent surveillance data focused on T&TBDs; participants discussed research opportunities and community engagement. The primary outcome of the workshop was the creation of a new research consortium known as The African Consortium for T&TBDs. The consortium is intended to function as a community for researchers, students, farmers, policymakers, extension workers, and community members who are interested in the advancement of T&TBD control. The consortium will engage in research activities that focus on comprehensive surveillance of T&TBDs, developing tick acaricide resistance, alternative tick control programs, and policy development and education. These areas were identified as top priorities to be developed to improve T&TBD control on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Nchu
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, Symphony Way, Bellville, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa
| | - Nkululeko Nyangiwe
- Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim 4930, South Africa.,Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Dennis Muhanguzi
- Department of Biomolecular and Biolaboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jahashi Nzalawahe
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3019, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Yakob Petro Nagagi
- Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - George Msalya
- Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3004, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania.,Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Natala Audu Joseph
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Esther Gwae Kimaro
- Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Margaret Mollel
- Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Violet Temba
- Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Difo Voukang Harouna
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Nutritional Sciences, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
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