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Rooney T, Fèvre EM, Villinger J, Brenn-White M, Cummings CO, Chai D, Kamau J, Kiyong'a A, Getange D, Ochieng DO, Kivali V, Zimmerman D, Rosenbaum M, Nutter FB, Deem SL. Coxiella burnetii serostatus in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) is associated with the presence of C. burnetii DNA in attached ticks in Laikipia County, Kenya. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:503-514. [PMID: 38627945 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13127] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Q fever is a globally distributed, neglected zoonotic disease of conservation and public health importance, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Coxiella burnetii normally causes subclinical infections in livestock, but may also cause reproductive pathology and spontaneous abortions in artiodactyl species. One such artiodactyl, the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), is an increasingly important livestock species in semi-arid landscapes. Ticks are naturally infected with C. burnetii worldwide and are frequently found on camels in Kenya. In this study, we assessed the relationship between dromedary camels' C. burnetii serostatus and whether the camels were carrying C. burnetii PCR-positive ticks in Kenya. We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between camel seropositivity and carrying C. burnetii PCR-positive ticks. METHODS AND RESULTS Blood was collected from camels (N = 233) from three herds, and serum was analysed using commercial ELISA antibody test kits. Ticks were collected (N = 4354), divided into pools of the same species from the same camel (N = 397) and tested for C. burnetii and Coxiella-like endosymbionts. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize seroprevalence by camel demographic and clinical variables. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess relationships between serostatus (outcome) and tick PCR status, camel demographic variables, and camel clinical variables (predictors). Camel C. burnetii seroprevalence was 52%. Across tick pools, the prevalence of C. burnetii was 15% and Coxiella-like endosymbionts was 27%. Camel seropositivity was significantly associated with the presence of a C. burnetii PCR-positive tick pool (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.4-5.1; p = 0.0045), increasing age class, and increasing total solids. CONCLUSIONS The role of ticks and camels in the epidemiology of Q fever warrants further research to better understand this zoonotic disease that has potential to cause illness and reproductive losses in humans, livestock, and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Rooney
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, California, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Eric M Fèvre
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maris Brenn-White
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Charles O Cummings
- Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Chai
- One Health Centre, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Kamau
- One Health Centre, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alice Kiyong'a
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dickens O Ochieng
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Velma Kivali
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dawn Zimmerman
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Marieke Rosenbaum
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Felicia B Nutter
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sharon L Deem
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Zhang EY, Kalmath P, Abernathy HA, Giandomenico DA, Nolan MS, Reiskind MH, Boyce RM. Rickettsia africae infections in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review of epidemiological studies and summary of case reports. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:541-583. [PMID: 38813598 PMCID: PMC11216893 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.14002] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Rickettsia africae is a tick-borne bacteria known to cause African tick bite fever (ATBF). While the disease was first described more than 100 years ago, knowledge of transmission risk factors and disease burden remain poorly described. To better understand the burden of R. africae, this article reviewed and summarized the published literature related to ATBF epidemiology and clinical management. Using a systematic approach, consistent with the PRISMA guidelines, we identified more than 100 eligible articles, including 65 epidemiological studies and 41 case reports. Most reports described R. africae in ticks and livestock, while human studies were less common. Human disease case reports were exclusively among returning travellers from non-endemic areas, which limits our disease knowledge among at-risk populations: people living in endemic regions. Substantial efforts to elucidate the ATBF risk factors and clinical manifestations among local populations are needed to develop effective preventative strategies and facilitate appropriate and timely diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Y. Zhang
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Prarthana Kalmath
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Haley A. Abernathy
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Dana A. Giandomenico
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Melissa S. Nolan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| | - Michael H. Reiskind
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695, USA
| | - Ross M. Boyce
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
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Kamau MW, Witte C, Goosen W, Mutinda M, Villinger J, Getange D, Khogali R, von Fricken ME, Fèvre EM, Zimmerman D, Linton YM, Miller M. Comparison of test performance of a conventional PCR and two field-friendly tests to detect Coxiella burnetii DNA in ticks using Bayesian latent class analysis. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1396714. [PMID: 38962707 PMCID: PMC11220323 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1396714] [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] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii)-infected livestock and wildlife have been epidemiologically linked to human Q fever outbreaks. Despite this growing zoonotic threat, knowledge of coxiellosis in wild animals remains limited, and studies to understand their epidemiologic role are needed. In C. burnetii-endemic areas, ticks have been reported to harbor and spread C. burnetii and may serve as indicators of risk of infection in wild animal habitats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare molecular techniques for detecting C. burnetii DNA in ticks. Methods In total, 169 ticks from wild animals and cattle in wildlife conservancies in northern Kenya were screened for C. burnetii DNA using a conventional PCR (cPCR) and two field-friendly techniques: Biomeme's C. burnetii qPCR Go-strips (Biomeme) and a new C. burnetii PCR high-resolution melt (PCR-HRM) analysis assay. Results were evaluated, in the absence of a gold standard test, using Bayesian latent class analysis (BLCA) to characterize the proportion of C. burnetii positive ticks and estimate sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the three tests. Results The final BLCA model included main effects and estimated that PCR-HRM had the highest Se (86%; 95% credible interval: 56-99%), followed by the Biomeme (Se = 57%; 95% credible interval: 34-90%), with the estimated Se of the cPCR being the lowest (24%, 95% credible interval: 10-47%). Specificity estimates for all three assays ranged from 94 to 98%. Based on the model, an estimated 16% of ticks had C. burnetii DNA present. Discussion These results reflect the endemicity of C. burnetii in northern Kenya and show the promise of the PCR-HRM assay for C. burnetii surveillance in ticks. Further studies using ticks and wild animal samples will enhance understanding of the epidemiological role of ticks in Q fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen W. Kamau
- Mpala Research Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Science, and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Carmel Witte
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Science, and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- The Center for Wildlife Studies, South Freeport, ME, United States
| | - Wynand Goosen
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Science, and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rua Khogali
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michael E. von Fricken
- College of Public Health and Health Professionals, Department of Environmental and Global Health University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Eric Maurice Fèvre
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dawn Zimmerman
- Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Yvonne-Marie Linton
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU) Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michele Miller
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Science, and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Mosha ET, Kuria JKN, Otiende M, Lekolool I. Molecular Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Small Mammals and Infesting Ticks in Laikipia County, Kenya. Vet Med Int 2024; 2024:5575162. [PMID: 38756415 PMCID: PMC11098608 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5575162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis is a set of disease conditions of various mammals caused by bacteria species of the genus Anaplasma. These are sub-microscopic, Gram-negative, obligate intracellular pathogens that infect both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Significant species that infect domestic and wildlife animals include Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma mesaeterum, Anaplasma platys, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Although A. phagocytophilum has a widespread distribution, there are only a few epidemiological reports from sub-Saharan Africa. This study focused on molecular detection and characterization of A. phagocytophilum in small mammals and their infesting ticks in Laikipia County, Kenya. A total of 385 blood and 84 tick archival samples from small mammals (155 females and 230 males) were analyzed. The blood samples were subjected to a nested PCR-HRM melt analysis using species-specific primers to amplify the 16S ribosomal RNA genes. The ticks were also subjected to nested PCR-HRM involving 16S rRNA gene primers. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was detected in 19 out of 385 samples using species-specific 16S rRNA gene primers giving a prevalence of 4.9% for A. phagocytophilum. Analysis of the tick's samples using 16S rRNA gene species-specific primers also detected A. phagocytophilum in 3 samples from Haemaphysalis leachi ticks (3/84) equivalent to prevalence of 3.6%. Sequencing of 16S rRNA PCR products confirmed A. phagocytophilum in small mammals and ticks' samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the haplotype from this study demonstrated a close ancestral link with strains from Canis lupus familiaris, Alces alces, Apodemus agrarius, and ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis) reported in Europe, China, and Africa. Comparison was also made with a known pathogenic A. phagocytophilum variant HA and a nonpathogenic variant 1 that were clustered into a distinctive clade different form haplotypes detected in this study. All the haplotype sequences for A. phagocytophilum from this study were submitted and registered in GenBank under the accession numbers OQ308965-OQ308976. Our study shows that small mammals and their associated ticks harbor A. phagocytophilum. The vector competence for H. leachi in A. phagocytophilum transmission should further be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Titus Mosha
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph K. N. Kuria
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Moses Otiende
- Forensic Laboratory, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac Lekolool
- Forensic Laboratory, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Nairobi, Kenya
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Khogali R, Bastos A, Bargul JL, Getange D, Kabii J, Masiga D, Villinger J. Tissue-specific localization of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from camels in Kenya: insights into vector competence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1382228. [PMID: 38698904 PMCID: PMC11063324 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1382228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne pathogen (TBP) surveillance studies often use whole-tick homogenates when inferring tick-pathogen associations. However, localized TBP infections within tick tissues (saliva, hemolymph, salivary glands, and midgut) can inform pathogen transmission mechanisms and are key to disentangling pathogen detection from vector competence. Methods We screened 278 camel blood samples and 504 tick tissue samples derived from 126 camel ticks sampled in two Kenyan counties (Laikipia and Marsabit) for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, Rickettsia, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR-HRM analysis. Results Candidatus Anaplasma camelii infections were common in camels (91%), but absent in all samples from Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Amblyomma gemma, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma rufipes ticks. We detected Ehrlichia ruminantium in all tissues of the four tick species, but Rickettsia aeschlimannii was only found in Hy. rufipes (all tissues). Rickettsia africae was highest in Am. gemma (62.5%), mainly in the hemolymph (45%) and less frequently in the midgut (27.5%) and lowest in Rh. pulchellus (29.4%), where midgut and hemolymph detection rates were 17.6% and 11.8%, respectively. Similarly, in Hy. dromedarii, R. africae was mainly detected in the midgut (41.7%) but was absent in the hemolymph. Rickettsia africae was not detected in Hy. rufipes. No Coxiella, Theileria, or Babesia spp. were detected in this study. Conclusions The tissue-specific localization of R. africae, found mainly in the hemolymph of Am. gemma, is congruent with the role of this tick species as its transmission vector. Thus, occurrence of TBPs in the hemolymph could serve as a predictor of vector competence of TBP transmission, especially in comparison to detection rates in the midgut, from which they must cross tissue barriers to effectively replicate and disseminate across tick tissues. Further studies should focus on exploring the distribution of TBPs within tick tissues to enhance knowledge of TBP epidemiology and to distinguish competent vectors from dead-end hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rua Khogali
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
| | - Armanda Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James Kabii
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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Jamil A, Yu Z, Wang Y, Xin Q, Gao S, Abdul Wahab M, Han X, Chen Z. Tick-borne Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Theileria, and enzootic nasal tumor virus in ruminant, PET, and poultry animals in Pakistan. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1359492. [PMID: 38596373 PMCID: PMC11002113 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1359492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pakistan is an agricultural country; most of its income is based on livestock rearing. The increasing prevalence of tick-borne pathogens among animals may affect the animal production and livelihood of owners, which eventually derange the economy of a country. Methodology To further comprehend TBPs, 213 ticks were collected from different animals, including ruminants, pets, and poultry. After molecular and phylogenetic analysis identification, ticks were managed into different pools based on their species level (Hyalomma anatolicum = 80, Rhipicephalus microplus = 35, Hyalomma scupense = 23, Rhipicephalus turanicus = 70, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus = 5). Results and discussion After tick species identification, further molecular PCR amplification was carried out to screen out the pathogens for the presence of Theileria, Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV). The following pathogens were detected: 11 (5.16%) for Anaplasma, 1 (0.47%) for Rickettsia, and 9 (4.23%) for Theileria. Nevertheless, other TBPs that had not been reported so far in Pakistan 3 (1.41%), were positive for enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV). Besides, phylogenetic analysis of the enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) strain confirmed its resemblance to the Chinese strain, while Anaplasma has comparability with Pakistan and China, Rickettsia with Pakistan, China, and Iran, and Theileria with India, South Africa, United States, Japan, and Spain. Conclusion This study reveals that there is a considerably wider range of TBPs held in Pakistan that take in various contagious zoonotic pathogens than was previously thought. This information advances TBP epidemiology and will contribute to upgrade future control measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjum Jamil
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ze Yu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qing Xin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sun University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Abdul Wahab
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Xiaohu Han
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zeliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sun University, Guangzhou, China
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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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Oundo JW, Kalayou S, Bosch QT, Villinger J, Koenraadt CJM, Masiga D. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting cattle in coastal Kenya harbor a diverse array of tick-borne pathogens. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102266. [PMID: 37813003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102266] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and the microbes they transmit have emerged in sub-Saharan Africa as a major threat to veterinary and public health. Although progress has been made in detecting and identifying tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) across vast agroecologies of Kenya, comprehensive information on tick species infesting cattle and their associated pathogens in coastal Kenya needs to be updated and expanded. Ticks infesting extensively grazed zebu cattle in 14 villages were sampled and identified based on morphology and molecular methods and tested for the presence of bacterial and protozoan TBPs using PCR with high-resolution melting analysis and gene sequencing. In total, 3,213 adult ticks were collected and identified as Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (15.8%), R. evertsi (12.8%), R. microplus (11.3%), R. pulchellus (0.1%), Amblyomma gemma (24.1%), A. variegatum (35.1%), Hyalomma rufipes (0.6%), and H. albiparmatum (0.2%). Ticks were infected with Rickettsia africae, Ehrlichia ruminantium, E. minasensis, Theileria velifera and T. parva. Coxiella sp. endosymbionts were detected in the Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma ticks. Co-infections with two and three different pathogens were identified in 6.9% (n = 95/1382) and 0.1% (n = 2/1382) of single tick samples, respectively, with the most common co-infection being R. africae and E. ruminantium (7.2%, CI: 4.6 - 10.6). All samples were negative for Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. Our study provides an overview of tick and tick-borne microbial diversities in coastal Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Wang'ang'a Oundo
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338 6700AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Shewit Kalayou
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Quirine Ten Bosch
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338 6700AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Daniel Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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9
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Smit A, Mulandane FC, Wojcik SH, Horak IG, Makepeace BL, Morar-Leather D, Neves L. Sympatry of Amblyomma eburneum and Amblyomma variegatum on African buffaloes and prevalence of pathogens in ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102247. [PMID: 37651847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102247] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The Amblyomma genus is represented on the African continent by 24 species, out of which 17 are known to occur in different ecological niches of southern Africa. Amblyomma, known for their aggressive hunting behaviour and aptitude as pathogen vectors, are of main concern to travellers, mainly in rural and conservation areas of Africa. In this study, we highlight the overlapping distribution of Amblyomma eburneum and Amblyomma variegatum found on African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) at Coutada 11, Central Mozambique. In total, 1,039 Amblyomma ticks were collected and morphologically identified using taxonomic keys, and genomic DNA was extracted. They were subjected to reverse line blotting for pathogen identification followed by molecular analysis (COI sequencing) of both tick species. Pathogens such as Ehrlichia ruminantium, Anaplasma centrale, Theileria sp., Babesia sp. and Rickettsia africae were detected, of which R. africae is zoonotic. Ehrlichia ruminantium, R. africae, Theileria mutans and Theileria velifera are well-established pathogens transmitted by Amblyomma ticks; however, Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. are not, suggesting residual parasite DNA in the bloodmeal. Little is mentioned in the literature about A. eburneum, including its role as a vector and reservoir for pathogens. In Mozambique A. eburneum is currently restricted to wildlife but the spread of the tick may be observed given the climate change that is occurring. The infection rates for the pathogens in both Amblyomma tick species were lower than expected, but this may be due to the low host density in the forest niche and the innate immunity of these hosts. With the propensity of ticks of the Amblyomma genus to form parapatric distributions, the mechanisms that allows for the overlapping distribution of these two Amblyomma species while maintaining tick species identity is of great interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andeliza Smit
- Tick Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Fernando C Mulandane
- Biotechnology Center, Eduardo Mondlane University, Av. Moçambique Km 1.5, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Stephané H Wojcik
- Tick Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Ivan G Horak
- Tick Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF, United Kingdom
| | - Darshana Morar-Leather
- Tick Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Luis Neves
- Tick Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Biotechnology Center, Eduardo Mondlane University, Av. Moçambique Km 1.5, Maputo, Mozambique
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10
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Matika O, Foster S, Githaka N, Owido G, Ngetich C, Mwendia C, Brown H, Caulfield J, Watson K, Djikeng A, Birkett M. Investigating volatile semiochemical production from Bos taurus and Bos indicus as a novel phenotype for breeding host resistance to ixodid ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102200. [PMID: 37216729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases cause significant loss in livestock production with about 80% world's cattle at risk. The cost of chemical control is high and there is an ever-increasing tick resistance to chemical acaricides. Genetic selection as alternative long-term control strategy is constrained by laborious phenotyping using tick counts or scores. This study explored the use of host volatile semiochemicals that may be attractants or repellents to ticks as a phenotype for new tick resistance, with potential to be used as a proxy in selection programmes. Approximately 100 young cattle composed of Bos indicus and Bos taurus were artificially infested with 2,500 African blue tick, Rhipicephalus decoloratus larvae, with daily female tick (4.5 mm) counts taken from day 20 post-infestation. Volatile organic compounds were sampled from cattle before and after tick infestation by dynamic headspace collection, analysed by high-resolution gas chromatography (GC) and subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. Using 6-day repeated measure analysis, three pre-infestation GC peaks (BI938 - unknown, BI966 - 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and BI995 - hexyl acetate) and one post-infestation GC peak (AI933 - benzaldehyde / (E)-2-heptenal) were associated with tick resistance (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively). The high correlation coefficients (r = 0.66) between repeated records with all volatile compounds support the potential predictive value for volatile compounds in selective breeding programmes for tick resistance in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswald Matika
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus EH25 9RG, UK; Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Sarah Foster
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Naftaly Githaka
- The Tick Unit, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Gad Owido
- The Tick Unit, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Collins Ngetich
- The Tick Unit, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Charles Mwendia
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Egerton University, PO Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya
| | - Helen Brown
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus EH25 9RG, UK
| | - John Caulfield
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Kellie Watson
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus EH25 9RG, UK; Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Appolinaire Djikeng
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus EH25 9RG, UK; Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael Birkett
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, UK
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11
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Distribution and Prevalence of Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsiaceae and Coxiellaceae in African Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030714. [PMID: 36985288 PMCID: PMC10051480 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In Africa, ticks continue to be a major hindrance to the improvement of the livestock industry due to tick-borne pathogens that include Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia and Coxiella species. A systemic review and meta-analysis were conducted here and highlighted the distribution and prevalence of these tick-borne pathogens in African ticks. Relevant publications were searched in five electronic databases and selected using inclusion/exclusion criteria, resulting in 138 and 78 papers included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis, respectively. Most of the studies focused on Rickettsia africae (38 studies), followed by Ehrlichia ruminantium (27 studies), Coxiella burnetii (20 studies) and Anaplasma marginale (17 studies). A meta-analysis of proportions was performed using the random-effects model. The highest prevalence was obtained for Rickettsia spp. (18.39%; 95% CI: 14.23–22.85%), R. africae (13.47%; 95% CI: 2.76–28.69%), R. conorii (11.28%; 95% CI: 1.77–25.89%), A. marginale (12.75%; 95% CI: 4.06–24.35%), E. ruminantium (6.37%; 95% CI: 3.97–9.16%) and E. canis (4.3%; 95% CI: 0.04–12.66%). The prevalence of C. burnetii was low (0%; 95% CI: 0–0.25%), with higher prevalence for Coxiella spp. (27.02%; 95% CI: 10.83–46.03%) and Coxiella-like endosymbionts (70.47%; 95% CI: 27–99.82%). The effect of the tick genera, tick species, country and other variables were identified and highlighted the epidemiology of Rhipicephalus ticks in the heartwater; affinity of each Rickettsia species for different tick genera; dominant distribution of A. marginale, R. africae and Coxiella-like endosymbionts in ticks and a low distribution of C. burnetii in African hard ticks.
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12
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Addo SO, Bentil RE, Yartey KN, Ansah-Owusu J, Behene E, Opoku-Agyeman P, Bruku S, Asoala V, Mate S, Larbi JA, Baidoo PK, Wilson MD, Diclaro JW, Dadzie SK. First molecular identification of multiple tick-borne pathogens in livestock within Kassena-Nankana, Ghana. ANIMAL DISEASES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s44149-022-00064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe risk of pathogen transmission continues to increase significantly in the presence of tick vectors due to the trade of livestock across countries. In Ghana, there is a lack of data on the incidence of tick-borne pathogens that are of zoonotic and veterinary importance. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence of such pathogens in livestock using molecular approaches. A total of 276 dry blood spots were collected from cattle (100), sheep (95) and goats (81) in the Kassena-Nankana Districts. The samples were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and conventional assays and Sanger sequencing that targeted pathogens including Rickettsia, Coxiella, Babesia, Theileria, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. An overall prevalence of 36.96% was recorded from the livestock DBS, with mixed infections seen in 7.97% samples. Furthermore, the prevalence of infections in livestock was recorded to be 19.21% in sheep, 14.13% in cattle, and 3.62% in goats. The pathogens identified were Rickettsia spp. (3.26%), Babesia sp. Lintan (8.70%), Theileria orientalis (2.17%), Theileria parva (0.36%), Anaplasma capra (18.48%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.81%), Anaplasma marginale (3.26%) and Anaplasma ovis (7.25%). This study reports the first molecular identification of the above-mentioned pathogens in livestock in Ghana and highlights the use of dry blood spots in resource-limited settings. In addition, this research provides an update on tick-borne pathogens in Ghana, suggesting risks to livestock production and human health. Further studies will be essential to establish the distribution and epidemiology of these pathogens in Ghana.
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Chiuya T, Villinger J, Falzon LC, Alumasa L, Amanya F, Bastos ADS, Fèvre EM, Masiga DK. Molecular screening reveals non-uniform malaria transmission in western Kenya and absence of Rickettsia africae and selected arboviruses in hospital patients. Malar J 2022; 21:268. [PMID: 36115978 PMCID: PMC9482282 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04287-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is the common diagnosis for febrile illness and related clinical features, resulting in the under-diagnosis of other aetiologies, such as arboviruses and Rickettsia. While these may not be significant causes of mortality in malaria-endemic areas, they affect the daily life and performance of affected individuals. It is, therefore, important to have a clear picture of these other aetiologies to institute correct diagnoses at hospitals and improve patient outcomes.
Methods
Blood samples were collected from patients with fever and other clinical features associated with febrile illness at selected hospitals in the malaria-endemic counties of Busia, Bungoma, and Kakamega, and screened for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Sindbis, dengue and chikungunya viruses, Rickettsia africae, and Plasmodium spp. using high-throughput real-time PCR techniques. A logistic regression was performed on the results to explore the effect of demographic and socio-economic independent variables on malaria infection.
Results
A total of 336 blood samples collected from hospital patients between January 2018 and February 2019 were screened, of which 17.6% (59/336) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum and 1.5% (5/336) for Plasmodium malariae. Two patients had dual P. falciparum/P. malariae infections. The most common clinical features reported by the patients who tested positive for malaria were fever and headache. None of the patients were positive for the arboviruses of interest or R. africae. Patients living in Busia (OR 5.2; 95% CI 2.46–11.79; p < 0.001) and Bungoma counties (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.27–6.16; p = 0.013) had higher odds of being infected with malaria, compared to those living in Kakamega County.
Conclusions
The reported malaria prevalence is in line with previous studies. The absence of arboviral and R. africae cases in this study may have been due to the limited number of samples screened, low-level circulation of arboviruses during inter-epidemic periods, and/or the use of PCR alone as a detection method. Other sero-surveys confirming their circulation in the area indicate that further investigations are warranted.
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14
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Onyiche TE, Labruna MB, Saito TB. Unraveling the epidemiological relationship between ticks and rickettsial infection in Africa. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.952024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are emerging and re-emerging diseases of public health concern caused by over 30 species of Rickettsia. Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods with over 700 species of Ixodid ticks known worldwide. The escalating geographical dispersal of tick vectors and concomitant increase in the incidences of tick-borne diseases have fueled interest in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens. This review focuses on aspects of the Rickettsia pathogen, including biology, taxonomy, phylogeny, genetic diversity, epidemiology of the disease, and the role of vertebrate host in the perpetuation of rickettsioses in Africa. Our review also highlights some of the species of Rickettsia that are responsible for disease, the role of tick vectors (both hard and soft ticks) and the species of Rickettsia associated with diverse tick species across the continent. Additionally, this article emphasizes the evolutionary perspective of rickettsiae perpetuation and the possible role of amplifying vertebrate host and other small mammals, domestic animals and wildlife in the epidemiology of Rickettsia species. We also specifically, discussed the role of avian population in the epidemiology of SFG rickettsiae. Furthermore, we highlighted tick-borne rickettsioses among travelers due to African tick-bite fever (ATBF) and the challenges to surveillance of rickettsial infection, and research on rickettsiology in Africa. Our review canvasses the need for more rickettsiologists of African origin based within the continent to further research towards understanding the biology, characterization, and species distribution, including the competent tick vectors involved in their transmission of rickettsiae across the continent in collaboration with established researchers in western countries. We further highlighted the need for proper funding to encourage research despite competing demands for resources across the various sectors. We finalize by discussing the similarities between rickettsial diseases around the world and which steps need to be taken to help foster our understanding on the eco-epidemiology of rickettsioses by bridging the gap between the growing epidemiological data and the molecular characterization of Rickettsia species.
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15
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Ergunay K, Mutinda M, Bourke B, Justi SA, Caicedo-Quiroga L, Kamau J, Mutura S, Akunda IK, Cook E, Gakuya F, Omondi P, Murray S, Zimmerman D, Linton YM. Metagenomic Investigation of Ticks From Kenyan Wildlife Reveals Diverse Microbial Pathogens and New Country Pathogen Records. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:932224. [PMID: 35847110 PMCID: PMC9283121 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.932224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Focusing on the utility of ticks as xenosurveillance sentinels to expose circulating pathogens in Kenyan drylands, host-feeding ticks collected from wild ungulates [buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, hartebeest, impala, rhinoceros (black and white), zebras (Grévy’s and plains)], carnivores (leopards, lions, spotted hyenas, wild dogs), as well as regular domestic and Boran cattle were screened for pathogens using metagenomics. A total of 75 host-feeding ticks [Rhipicephalus (97.3%) and Amblyomma (2.7%)] collected from 15 vertebrate taxa were sequenced in 46 pools. Fifty-six pathogenic bacterial species were detected in 35 pools analyzed for pathogens and relative abundances of major phyla. The most frequently observed species was Escherichia coli (62.8%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (48.5%) and Coxiella burnetii (45.7%). Francisella tularemia and Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) were detected in 14.2 and 13% of the pools, respectively, in ticks collected from wild animals and cattle. This is one of the first reports of JMTV in Kenya, and phylogenetic reconstruction revealed significant divergence from previously known isolates and related viruses. Eight fungal species with human pathogenicity were detected in 5 pools (10.8%). The vector-borne filarial pathogens (Brugia malayi, Dirofilaria immitis, Loa loa), protozoa (Plasmodium spp., Trypanosoma cruzi), and environmental and water-/food-borne pathogens (Entamoeba histolytica, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Naegleria fowleri, Schistosoma spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella spiralis) were detected. Documented viruses included human mastadenovirus C, Epstein-Barr virus and bovine herpesvirus 5, Trinbago virus, and Guarapuava tymovirus-like virus 1. Our findings confirmed that host-feeding ticks are an efficient sentinel for xenosurveillance and demonstrate clear potential for wildlife-livestock-human pathogen transfer in the Kenyan landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koray Ergunay
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Koray Ergunay,
| | | | - Brian Bourke
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Silvia A. Justi
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Laura Caicedo-Quiroga
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Joseph Kamau
- One Health Centre, Institute of Primate Research (IPR), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samson Mutura
- One Health Centre, Institute of Primate Research (IPR), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Elizabeth Cook
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francis Gakuya
- Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Naivasha, Kenya
| | - Patrick Omondi
- Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Naivasha, Kenya
| | - Suzan Murray
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Unit, Fort Royal, VA, United States
| | - Dawn Zimmerman
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Yvonne-Marie Linton
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
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16
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Mwaki DM, Kidambasi KO, Kinyua J, Ogila K, Kigen C, Getange D, Villinger J, Masiga DK, Carrington M, Bargul JL. Molecular detection of novel Anaplasma sp . and zoonotic hemopathogens in livestock and their hematophagous biting keds (genus Hippobosca) from Laisamis, northern Kenya. OPEN RESEARCH AFRICA 2022; 5:23. [PMID: 37396343 PMCID: PMC10314185 DOI: 10.12688/openresafrica.13404.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Livestock are key sources of livelihood among pastoral communities. Livestock productivity is chiefly constrained by pests and diseases. Due to inadequate disease surveillance in northern Kenya, little is known about pathogens circulating within livestock and the role of livestock-associated biting keds (genus Hippobosca) in disease transmission. We aimed to identify the prevalence of selected hemopathogens in livestock and their associated blood-feeding keds. Methods: We randomly collected 389 blood samples from goats (245), sheep (108), and donkeys (36), as well as 235 keds from both goats and sheep (116), donkeys (11), and dogs (108) in Laisamis, Marsabit County, northern Kenya. We screened all samples for selected hemopathogens by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing of PCR products amplified using primers specific to the genera: Anaplasma, Trypanosoma, Clostridium, Ehrlichia, Brucella, Theileria, and Babesia. Results: In goats, we detected Anaplasma ovis (84.5%), a novel Anaplasma sp. (11.8%), Trypanosoma vivax (7.3%), Ehrlichia canis (66.1%), and Theileria ovis (0.8%). We also detected A. ovis (93.5%), E. canis (22.2%), and T. ovis (38.9%) in sheep. In donkeys, we detected ' Candidatus Anaplasma camelii' (11.1%), T. vivax (22.2%), E. canis (25%), and Theileria equi (13.9%). In addition, keds carried the following pathogens; goat/sheep keds - T. vivax (29.3%) , Trypanosoma evansi (0.86%), Trypanosoma godfreyi (0.86%), and E. canis (51.7%); donkey keds - T. vivax (18.2%) and E. canis (63.6%); and dog keds - T. vivax (15.7%), T. evansi (0.9%), Trypanosoma simiae (0.9%) , E. canis (76%), Clostridium perfringens (46.3%), Bartonella schoenbuchensis (76%), and Brucella abortus (5.6%). Conclusions: We found that livestock and their associated ectoparasitic biting keds carry a number of infectious hemopathogens, including the zoonotic B. abortus. Dog keds harbored the most pathogens, suggesting dogs, which closely interact with livestock and humans, as key reservoirs of diseases in Laisamis. These findings can guide policy makers in disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Mwaki
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
- Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Kevin O. Kidambasi
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Johnson Kinyua
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ogila
- Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Collins Kigen
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Daniel K. Masiga
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
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17
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King'ori EM, Obanda V, Nyamota R, Remesar S, Chiyo PI, Soriguer R, Morrondo P. Population genetic structure of the elephant tick Amblyomma tholloni from different elephant populations in Kenya. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101935. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Masika SJ, Muchemi GM, Okumu TA, Mutura S, Zimmerman D, Kamau J. Molecular evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in olive baboons and vervet monkeys in Kenya. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:385. [PMID: 34906141 PMCID: PMC8669034 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03095-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonhuman primates (NHPs) play a significant role in zoonotic spill-overs, serving as either reservoirs, or amplifiers, of multiple neglected tropical diseases, including tick-borne infections. Anaplasma phagocytophilum are obligate intracellular bacteria of the family Anaplasmatacae, transmitted by Ixodid ticks and cause granulocytic anaplasmosis (formerly known as Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE)) in a wide range of wild and domestic mammals and humans too. The aim of this study was to determine whether Anaplasma phagocytophilum was circulating in olive baboons and vervet monkeys in Laikipia County, Kenya. Results Some 146 blood samples collected from olive baboons and 18 from vervet monkeys from Mpala Research Center and Ol jogi Conservancy in Laikipia County were screened for the presence of Anaplasma species using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and then A. phagocytophilum was confirmed by sequencing using conventional PCR targeting 16S rRNA. This study found an overall prevalence of 18.3% for Anaplasma species. DNA sequences confirmed Anaplasma phagocytophilum in olive baboons for the first time in Kenya. Conclusion This study provides valuable information on the endemicity of A. phagocytophilum bacteria in olive baboons in Kenya. Future research is needed to establish the prevalence and public health implications of zoonotic A. phagocytophilum isolates and the role of nonhuman primates as reservoirs in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Jerusa Masika
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Molecular biology laboratory, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Gerald Mwangi Muchemi
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tequiero Abuom Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samson Mutura
- Molecular biology laboratory, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dawn Zimmerman
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph Kamau
- Molecular biology laboratory, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
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Peter SG, Kariuki HW, Aboge GO, Gakuya DW, Maingi N, Mulei CM. Prevalence of Ticks Infesting Dairy Cattle and the Pathogens They Harbour in Smallholder Farms in Peri-Urban Areas of Nairobi, Kenya. Vet Med Int 2021; 2021:9501648. [PMID: 34925753 PMCID: PMC8683169 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9501648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at determining the tick species infesting dairy cattle in Nairobi, Kenya, and the pathogens they harbour. While ticks are well-known vectors of major bacterial pathogens of both veterinary importance and public health importance, few studies have investigated the range of the tick species and the associated pathogens, especially present in unique dairy production systems, which compromise animal welfare, such as those in peri-urban areas. A cross-sectional study was undertaken involving 314 randomly selected dairy cattle in 109 smallholder farms. Each animal was examined for attached ticks followed by morphological tick identification at the species level. Genomic DNA was extracted from each of the ticks, and 16S rDNA gene was amplified for pathogen identification. Sequencing of the amplicons and subsequent BLASTn analysis, multiple sequence alignment, and phylogenetic reconstruction were performed to confirm the species of the pathogens. Sixty-six (21.0%) of the cattle examined had ticks. A total of 94 adult ticks were found on the cattle, and of these, 63 (67.0%), 18 (19.1%), and 13 (13.8%) were in the genera Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, and Hyalomma, respectively. Twelve tick species in Rhipicephalus genus and two in Amblyomma and Hyalomma genera were identified. Although Rh. decoloratus was the most prevalent tick (24.5% (23/94)), the emerging Rh. microplus (6.4% (6/94)) was also identified. The DNA of Rickettsia was detected in the ticks, with Rickettsia conorii in H. rufipes and A. variegatum, and Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Rh. microplus and H. rufipes, while Ehrlichia ruminantium and E. canis were in A. variegatum. In conclusion, the study reported a wide range of tick species present in the study area including Rhipicephalus microplus, which is an emerging tick species in parts of Kenya. The ticks harboured DNA of Rickettsia and Ehrlichia, highlighting possible animal and human health concerns. Hence, effective tick control strategies remain paramount to prevent potential diseases associated with the harboured pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shepelo Getrude Peter
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hellen Wambui Kariuki
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gabriel Oluga Aboge
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Waweru Gakuya
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ndichu Maingi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Matiku Mulei
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
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20
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Chiuya T, Villinger J, Masiga DK, Ondifu DO, Murungi MK, Wambua L, Bastos ADS, Fèvre EM, Falzon LC. Molecular prevalence and risk factors associated with tick-borne pathogens in cattle in western Kenya. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:363. [PMID: 34838023 PMCID: PMC8627057 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03074-7] [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: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are of global importance, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where they represent a major constraint to livestock production. Their association with human disease is also increasingly recognized, signalling their zoonotic importance. It is therefore crucial to investigate TBPs prevalence in livestock populations and the factors associated with their presence. We set out to identify TBPs present in cattle and to determine associated risk factors in western Kenya, where smallholder livestock production is important for subsistence and market-driven income. Results Tick-borne pathogen infections in blood samples collected from cattle at livestock markets and slaughterhouses between May 2017 and January 2019 were identified by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing of PCR products of genus-specific primers. Of the 422 cattle sampled, 30.1% (127/422) were infected with at least one TBP, while 8.8% (37/422) had dual infections. Anaplasma spp. (19.7%) were the most prevalent, followed by Theileria (12.3%), Ehrlichia (6.6%), and Babesia (0.2%) spp. Sequence analysis of the TBPs revealed them to be Anaplasma platys-like organisms (13.5%), Theileria velifera (7.4%), Anaplasma marginale (4.9%), Theileria mutans (3.1%), Theileria parva (1.6%), and Babesia bigemina (0.2%). Ehrlichia ruminantium, Rickettsia spp., and arboviruses were not detected. Exotic breeds of cattle were more likely to be infected with A. marginale compared to local breeds (OR: 7.99, 95% CI: 3.04–22.02, p < 0.001). Presence of ticks was a significant predictor for Anaplasma spp. (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.32–3.69, p = 0.003) and Ehrlichia spp. (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.22–7.23, p = 0.022) infection. Cattle sampled at slaughterhouses were more likely to be positive for Anaplasma spp. (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.01–2.70, p = 0.048) and A. marginale (OR: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.43–12.21, p = 0.012), compared to those sampled at livestock markets. Conclusion This study reports TBP prevalence and associated risk factors in western Kenya, factors which are key to informing surveillance and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Chiuya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel K Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dickens O Ondifu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maurice K Murungi
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Lillian Wambua
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Eric M Fèvre
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Laura C Falzon
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya. .,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
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21
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Ebhodaghe FI, Okal MN, Kalayou S, Bastos ADS, Masiga DK. Tsetse Bloodmeal Analyses Incriminate the Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus as an Important Cryptic Host of Animal Trypanosomes in Smallholder Cattle Farming Communities in Shimba Hills, Kenya. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111501. [PMID: 34832656 PMCID: PMC8623152 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomes are endemic and retard cattle health in Shimba Hills, Kenya. Wildlife in the area act as reservoirs of the parasites. However, wild animal species that harbor and expose cattle to tsetse-borne trypanosomes are not well known in Shimba Hills. Using xeno-monitoring surveillance to investigate wild animal reservoirs and sources of trypanosomes in Shimba Hills, we screened 696 trypanosome-infected and uninfected tsetse flies for vertebrate DNA using multiple-gene PCR-High Resolution Melting analysis and amplicon sequencing. Results revealed that tsetse flies fed on 13 mammalian species, preferentially Phacochoerus africanus (warthogs) (17.39%, 95% CI: 14.56–20.21) and Bos taurus (cattle) (11.35%, 95% CI: 8.99–13.71). Some tsetse flies showed positive cases of bloodmeals from multiple hosts (3.45%, 95% CI: 2.09–4.81), including warthog and cattle (0.57%, 95% CI: 0.01–1.14). Importantly, tsetse flies that took bloodmeals from warthog had significant risk of infections with Trypanosoma vivax (5.79%, 95% CI: 1.57–10.00), T. congolense (7.44%, 95% CI: 2.70–12.18), and T. brucei sl (2.48%, 95% CI: −0.33–5.29). These findings implicate warthogs as important reservoirs of tsetse-borne trypanosomes affecting cattle in Shimba Hills and provide valuable epidemiological insights to underpin the parasites targeted management in Nagana vector control programs in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith I. Ebhodaghe
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (M.N.O.); (S.K.)
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria Hatfield 0083, South Africa;
- Correspondence: (F.I.E.); (D.K.M.)
| | - Michael N. Okal
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (M.N.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Shewit Kalayou
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (M.N.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Armanda D. S. Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria Hatfield 0083, South Africa;
| | - Daniel K. Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (M.N.O.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: (F.I.E.); (D.K.M.)
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22
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Bargul JL, Kidambasi KO, Getahun MN, Villinger J, Copeland RS, Muema JM, Carrington M, Masiga DK. Transmission of 'Candidatus Anaplasma camelii' to mice and rabbits by camel-specific keds, Hippobosca camelina. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009671. [PMID: 34398891 PMCID: PMC8389426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, caused by infection with bacteria of the genus Anaplasma, is an important veterinary and zoonotic disease. Transmission by ticks has been characterized but little is known about non-tick vectors of livestock anaplasmosis. This study investigated the presence of Anaplasma spp. in camels in northern Kenya and whether the hematophagous camel ked, Hippobosca camelina, acts as a vector. Camels (n = 976) and > 10,000 keds were sampled over a three-year study period and the presence of Anaplasma species was determined by PCR-based assays targeting the Anaplasmataceae 16S rRNA gene. Camels were infected by a single species of Anaplasma, 'Candidatus Anaplasma camelii', with infection rates ranging from 63-78% during the dry (September 2017), wet (June-July 2018), and late wet seasons (July-August 2019). 10-29% of camel keds harbored 'Ca. Anaplasma camelii' acquired from infected camels during blood feeding. We determined that Anaplasma-positive camel keds could transmit 'Ca. Anaplasma camelii' to mice and rabbits via blood-feeding. We show competence in pathogen transmission and subsequent infection in mice and rabbits by microscopic observation in blood smears and by PCR. Transmission of 'Ca. Anaplasma camelii' to mice (8-47%) and rabbits (25%) occurred readily after ked bites. Hence, we demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of H. camelina as a vector of anaplasmosis. This key finding provides the rationale for establishing ked control programmes for improvement of livestock and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kevin O. Kidambasi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Merid N. Getahun
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Robert S. Copeland
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jackson M. Muema
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel K. Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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23
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Yan Y, Wang K, Cui Y, Zhou Y, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Jian F, Wang R, Zhang L, Ning C. Molecular detection and phylogenetic analyses of Anaplasma spp. in Haemaphysalis longicornis from goats in four provinces of China. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14155. [PMID: 34238975 PMCID: PMC8266805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93629-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma species, which are distributed worldwide, are gram-negative obligate intracellular tick-borne bacteria that pose a threat to human and animal health. Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks play a vital role as vectors in the transmission of Anaplasma pathogens. However, the Anaplasma species carried by H. longicornis in China are yet to be characterized. In this study, 1074 H. longicornis specimens were collected from goats in four provinces of China from 2018 to 2019 and divided into 371 sample pools. All tick sample pools were examined for the presence of Anaplasma species via nested PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA, major surface protein 4 (msp4), or citric acid synthase (gltA) genes, which were sequenced to determine the molecular and phylogenetic characteristics of the isolates. The overall Anaplasma spp-positive rate of H. longicornis was determined to be 26.68% (99/371). The percentage prevalence of A. phagocytophilum-like1, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. marginale, and A. capra were 1.08% (4/371), 13.21% (49/371), 13.21% (49/371), 1.35% (5/371), and 10.24% (38/371), respectively, and the co-infection rate of two or more types of Anaplasma was 6.47% (24/371). Phylogenetic analyses led to the classification of A. phagocytophilum into an A. phagocytophilum-like1 (Anaplasma sp. Japan) group. Anaplasma bovis sequences obtained in this study were 99.8–100% identical to those of an earlier strain isolated from a Chinese tick (GenBank accession no. KP314251). Anaplasma ovis sequences showed 99.3–99.6% identity to an A. ovis human strain identified from a Cypriot patient (GenBank accession no. FJ460443). Only one msp4 sequence of A. marginale was detected and was grouped with those of other A. marginale isolates, and these A. capra isolates obtained in this present study may be zoonotic. The detection and characterization of four Anaplasma species in H. longicornis in this study have added to the current knowledge of the parasite and provided data on multiple Anaplasma species with veterinary and medical significance from four provinces of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqun Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunlun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Cui
- School of Biotechnology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, 476000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongchun Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuchun Jian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Changshen Ning
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China.
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24
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Getange D, Bargul JL, Kanduma E, Collins M, Bodha B, Denge D, Chiuya T, Githaka N, Younan M, Fèvre EM, Bell-Sakyi L, Villinger J. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Associated with Dromedary Camels ( Camelus dromedarius) in Northern Kenya. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1414. [PMID: 34209060 PMCID: PMC8306667 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are major constraints to camel health and production, yet epidemiological data on their diversity and impact on dromedary camels remain limited. We surveyed the diversity of ticks and TBPs associated with camels and co-grazing sheep at 12 sites in Marsabit County, northern Kenya. We screened blood and ticks (858 pools) from 296 camels and 77 sheep for bacterial and protozoan TBPs by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing of PCR products. Hyalomma (75.7%), Amblyomma (17.6%) and Rhipicephalus (6.7%) spp. ticks were morphologically identified and confirmed by molecular analyses. We detected TBP DNA in 80.1% of blood samples from 296 healthy camels. "Candidatus Anaplasma camelii", "Candidatus Ehrlichia regneryi" and Coxiella burnetii were detected in both camels and associated ticks, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Coxiella endosymbionts were detected in camel ticks. We also detected Ehrlichia ruminantium, which is responsible for heartwater disease in ruminants, in Amblyomma ticks infesting camels and sheep and in sheep blood, indicating its endemicity in Marsabit. Our findings also suggest that camels and/or the ticks infesting them are disease reservoirs of zoonotic Q fever (C. burnetii), ehrlichiosis (E. chaffeensis) and rickettsiosis (R. africae), which pose public health threats to pastoralist communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (D.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (D.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Esther Kanduma
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya;
| | - Marisol Collins
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (E.M.F.); (L.B.-S.)
| | - Boku Bodha
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, County Government of Marsabit, Marsabit P.O. Box 384-60500, Kenya; (B.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Diba Denge
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, County Government of Marsabit, Marsabit P.O. Box 384-60500, Kenya; (B.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Tatenda Chiuya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (D.G.); (T.C.)
| | - Naftaly Githaka
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya;
| | - Mario Younan
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Programme & Operational Support to Syria Crisis, UN cross-border hub, Gaziantep 27010, Turkey;
| | - Eric M. Fèvre
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (E.M.F.); (L.B.-S.)
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya;
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (E.M.F.); (L.B.-S.)
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (D.G.); (T.C.)
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Sahu R, Rawool DB, Dhaka P, Yadav JP, Mishra SP, Kumar M, Vergis J, Malik SS, Barbuddhe SB. Current perspectives on the occurrence of Q fever: highlighting the need for systematic surveillance for a neglected zoonotic disease in Indian subcontinent. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 13:138-158. [PMID: 33314653 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coxiellosis or Q fever is an important global occupational zoonotic disease caused by one of the most contagious bacterial pathogens - Coxiella burnetii, which ranks one among the 13 global priority zoonoses. The detection of C. burnetii infection is exhibiting an increasing trend in high-risk personnel around the globe. It has increasingly been detected from foods of animal origin (including bulk milk, eggs, and meat) as well as tick vectors in many parts of the world. Coxiellosis is reported to be an important public health threat causing spontaneous abortions in humans and potential reproductive failure, which would result in production losses among livestock. Further, comprehensive coverage of the reports and trends of Q fever in developing countries, where this infection is supposed to be widely prevalent appears scarce. Also, the pathogen remains grossly neglected and underreported. Moreover, policymakers and funding agencies do not view it as a priority problem, especially in the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives. Here, we review the occurrence and epidemiology of the disease in a global context with special emphasis on its status in the Indian subcontinent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishna Sahu
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Deepak Bhiwa Rawool
- ICAR- National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500 092, India
| | - Pankaj Dhaka
- School of Public Health and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141004, India
| | - Jay Prakash Yadav
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Sidharth Prasad Mishra
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700037, India
| | - Manesh Kumar
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Jess Vergis
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Satyaveer Singh Malik
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
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Chiuya T, Masiga DK, Falzon LC, Bastos ADS, Fèvre EM, Villinger J. Tick-borne pathogens, including Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in western Kenya. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:2429-2445. [PMID: 33142046 PMCID: PMC8359211 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vectors of emerging infectious diseases have expanded their distributional ranges in recent decades due to increased global travel, trade connectivity and climate change. Transboundary range shifts, arising from the continuous movement of humans and livestock across borders, are of particular disease control concern. Several tick-borne diseases are known to circulate between eastern Uganda and the western counties of Kenya, with one fatal case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) reported in 2000 in western Kenya. Recent reports of CCHF in Uganda have highlighted the risk of cross-border disease translocation and the importance of establishing inter-epidemic, early warning systems to detect possible outbreaks. We therefore carried out surveillance of tick-borne zoonotic pathogens at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in three counties of western Kenya that neighbour Uganda. Ticks and other ectoparasites were collected from livestock and identified using morphological keys. The two most frequently sampled tick species were Rhipicephalus decoloratus (35%) and Amblyomma variegatum (30%); Ctenocephalides felis fleas and Haematopinus suis lice were also present. In total, 486 ticks, lice and fleas were screened for pathogen presence using established molecular workflows incorporating high-resolution melting analysis and identified through sequencing of PCR products. We detected CCHF virus in Rh. decoloratus and Rhipicephalus sp. cattle ticks, and 82 of 96 pools of Am. variegatum were positive for Rickettsia africae. Apicomplexan protozoa and bacteria of veterinary importance, such as Theileria parva, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale, were primarily detected in rhipicephaline ticks. Our findings show the presence of several pathogens of public health and veterinary importance in ticks from livestock at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in western Kenya. Confirmation of CCHF virus, a Nairovirus that causes haemorrhagic fever with a high case fatality rate in humans, highlights the risk of under-diagnosed zoonotic diseases and calls for continuous surveillance and the development of preventative measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Chiuya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Daniel K Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laura C Falzon
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.,International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Eric M Fèvre
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.,International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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27
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Piotrowski M, Rymaszewska A. Expansion of Tick-Borne Rickettsioses in the World. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1906. [PMID: 33266186 PMCID: PMC7760173 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group of the genus Rickettsia. These infections are among the oldest known diseases transmitted by vectors. In the last three decades there has been a rapid increase in the recognition of this disease complex. This unusual expansion of information was mainly caused by the development of molecular diagnostic techniques that have facilitated the identification of new and previously recognized rickettsiae. A lot of currently known bacteria of the genus Rickettsia have been considered nonpathogenic for years, and moreover, many new species have been identified with unknown pathogenicity. The genus Rickettsia is distributed all over the world. Many Rickettsia species are present on several continents. The geographical distribution of rickettsiae is related to their vectors. New cases of rickettsioses and new locations, where the presence of these bacteria is recognized, are still being identified. The variety and rapid evolution of the distribution and density of ticks and diseases which they transmit shows us the scale of the problem. This review article presents a comparison of the current understanding of the geographic distribution of pathogenic Rickettsia species to that of the beginning of the century.
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28
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Anaplasma and Theileria Pathogens in Cattle of Lambwe Valley, Kenya: A Case for Pro-Active Surveillance in the Wildlife-Livestock Interface. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111830. [PMID: 33233713 PMCID: PMC7699859 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are major constraints to livestock production and a threat to public health in Africa. This cross-sectional study investigated the risk of infection with TBPs in cattle of Lambwe Valley, Kenya. Blood samples of 680 zebu cattle from 95 herds in six geospatial clusters within 5 km of Ruma National Park were screened for bacterial and protozoan TBPs by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing of PCR products. We detected Anaplasma bovis (17.4%), Anaplasma platys (16.9%), Anaplasma marginale (0.6%), Theileria velifera (40%), and Theileria mutans (25.7%), as well as an Anaplasma sp. (11.6%) that matched recently reported Anaplasma sp. sequences from Ethiopia. Babesia, Rickettsia, and Ehrlichia spp. were not detected. The animal and herd-level prevalences for TBPs were 78.5% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 75.3, 81.5) and 95.8% (95% CI: 91.8, 99.8), respectively. About 31.6% of cattle were co-infected with 13 combinations of TBPs. The prevalence of TBPs differed between clusters and age, but the risk of infection was not associated with sex, herd size, or the distance of homesteads from Ruma. This study adds insight into the epidemiology of TBPs around Ruma and highlights the need for proactive surveillance of TBPs in livestock–wildlife interfaces.
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29
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Kolo AO, Collins NE, Brayton KA, Chaisi M, Blumberg L, Frean J, Gall CA, M. Wentzel J, Wills-Berriman S, Boni LD, Weyer J, Rossouw J, Oosthuizen MC. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Other Anaplasma spp. in Various Hosts in the Mnisi Community, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1812. [PMID: 33217891 PMCID: PMC7698776 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA samples from 74 patients with non-malarial acute febrile illness (AFI), 282 rodents, 100 cattle, 56 dogs and 160 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were screened for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the msp2 gene. The test detected both A. phagocytophilum and Anaplasma sp. SA/ZAM dog DNA. Microbiome sequencing confirmed the presence of low levels of A. phagocytophilum DNA in the blood of rodents, dogs and cattle, while high levels of A. platys and Anaplasma sp. SA/ZAM dog were detected in dogs. Directed sequencing of the 16S rRNA and gltA genes in selected samples revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in humans, dogs and rodents and highlighted its importance as a possible contributing cause of AFI in South Africa. A number of recently described Anaplasma species and A. platys were also detected in the study. Phylogenetic analyses grouped Anaplasma sp. SA/ZAM dog into a distinct clade, with sufficient divergence from other Anaplasma species to warrant classification as a separate species. Until appropriate type-material can be deposited and the species is formally described, we will refer to this novel organism as Anaplasma sp. SA dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatha O. Kolo
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Nicola E. Collins
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Kelly A. Brayton
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Mamohale Chaisi
- Zoological Research, Foundational Biodiversity & Services, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Lucille Blumberg
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; (L.B.); (J.F.); (J.W.); (J.R.)
| | - John Frean
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; (L.B.); (J.F.); (J.W.); (J.R.)
| | | | - Jeanette M. Wentzel
- Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa;
| | - Samantha Wills-Berriman
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Liesl De Boni
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Jacqueline Weyer
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; (L.B.); (J.F.); (J.W.); (J.R.)
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0084, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Rossouw
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; (L.B.); (J.F.); (J.W.); (J.R.)
| | - Marinda C. Oosthuizen
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
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30
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Peter SG, Aboge GO, Kariuki HW, Kanduma EG, Gakuya DW, Maingi N, Mulei CM, Mainga AO. Molecular prevalence of emerging Anaplasma and Ehrlichia pathogens in apparently healthy dairy cattle in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:364. [PMID: 32993638 PMCID: PMC7526178 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species are tick-borne pathogens of both veterinary and public health importance. The current status of these pathogens, including emerging species such as Ehrlichia minasensis and Anaplasma platys, infecting cattle in Kenya, remain unclear, mainly because of limitation in the diagnostic techniques. Therefore, we investigated the Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species infecting dairy cattle in Nairobi, Kenya using molecular methods. Results A total of 306 whole blood samples were collected from apparently healthy dairy cattle. Whole blood DNA was extracted and tested for presence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia DNA through amplification and sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene. Sequence identity was confirmed using BLASTn analysis while phylogenetic reconstruction was performed to determine the genetic relationship between the Kenyan isolates and other annotated genotypes available in GenBank. Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species were detected in 19.9 and 3.3% of all the samples analyzed, respectively. BLASTn analysis of the sequences against non-redundant GenBank nucleotide database revealed infections with A. platys (44.8%), A. marginale (31%) and A. bovis (13.8%). All four sequenced Ehrlichia spp. were similar to Ehrlichia minasensis. Nucleotide polymorphism was observed for A. platys, A. bovis and E. minasensis. The Anaplasma species clustered in four distinct phylogenetic clades including A. marginale, A. platys, A. bovis and some unidentified Anaplasma spp. The Kenyan Ehrlichia minasensis clustered in the same clade with isolates from America and Australia but distant from E. ruminantium. Conclusion This study provides the first report of infection of dairy cattle in Kenya with A. platys and E. minasensis, which are emerging pathogens. We conclude that cattle in peri-urban Nairobi are infected with various species of Anaplasma and E. minasensis. To understand the extent of these infections in other parts of the country, large-scale screening studies as well as vector identification is necessary to inform strategic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shepelo Getrude Peter
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Gabriel Oluga Aboge
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hellen Wambui Kariuki
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Daniel Waweru Gakuya
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ndichu Maingi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Matiku Mulei
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alfred Omwando Mainga
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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31
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Oundo JW, Villinger J, Jeneby M, Ong’amo G, Otiende MY, Makhulu EE, Musa AA, Ouso DO, Wambua L. Pathogens, endosymbionts, and blood-meal sources of host-seeking ticks in the fast-changing Maasai Mara wildlife ecosystem. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228366. [PMID: 32866142 PMCID: PMC7458302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of questing ticks in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR), an ecosystem with intensified human-wildlife-livestock interactions, remains poorly understood. We surveyed the diversity of questing ticks, their blood-meal hosts, and tick-borne pathogens to understand potential effects on human and livestock health. By flagging and hand-picking from vegetation in 25 localities, we collected 1,465 host-seeking ticks, mostly Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma species identified by morphology and molecular analysis. We used PCR with high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing to identify Anaplasma, Babesia, Coxiella, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Theileria pathogens and blood-meal remnants in 231 tick pools. We detected blood-meals from humans, wildebeest, and African buffalo in Rh. appendiculatus, goat in Rh. evertsi, sheep in Am. gemma, and cattle in Am. variegatum. Rickettsia africae was detected in Am. gemma (MIR = 3.10) that had fed on sheep and in Am. variegatum (MIR = 250) that had fed on cattle. We found Rickettsia spp. in Am. gemma (MIR = 9.29) and Rh. evertsi (MIR = 200), Anaplasma ovis in Rh. appendiculatus (MIR = 0.89) and Rh. evertsi (MIR = 200), Anaplasma bovis in Rh. appendiculatus (MIR = 0.89), and Theileria parva in Rh. appendiculatus (MIR = 24). No Babesia, Ehrlichia, or Coxiella pathogens were detected. Unexpectedly, species-specific Coxiella sp. endosymbionts were detected in all tick genera (174/231 pools), which may affect tick physiology and vector competence. These findings show that ticks from the MMNR are infected with zoonotic R. africae and unclassified Rickettsia spp., demonstrating risk of African tick-bite fever and other spotted-fever group rickettsioses to locals and visitors. The protozoan pathogens identified may also pose risk to livestock production. The diverse vertebrate blood-meals of questing ticks in this ecosystem including humans, wildlife, and domestic animals, may amplify transmission of tick-borne zoonoses and livestock diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Wang’ang’a Oundo
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maamun Jeneby
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - George Ong’amo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Edward Edmond Makhulu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya
| | - Ali Abdulahi Musa
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Obado Ouso
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lillian Wambua
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
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32
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Hughes EC, Anderson NE. Zoonotic Pathogens of Dromedary Camels in Kenya: A Systematised Review. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7030103. [PMID: 32764264 PMCID: PMC7559378 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7030103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Kenya is home to Africa’s third largest population of dromedary camels, and production at commercial and local levels are increasingly important. In pastoral and nomadic communities in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), camels play a vital role in food security, while commercial milk production and formalized export markets are rapidly emerging as camel populations expand into non-traditional areas. Until recently, little focus was placed on camels as hosts of zoonotic disease, but the emergence of Middle Eastern respiratory coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, and the discovery of exposure to the virus in Kenyan camels, highlighted the need for further understanding of this area. This systematised review utilised a robust search strategy to assess the occurrence of camel-associated zoonoses in Kenya and to evaluate the quality of the published literature. Seventy-four studies were identified, covering sixteen pathogens, with an increasing number of good quality studies in recent years. Despite this, the area remains under-researched and there is a lack of robust, high-quality research. Trypanosome spp., Echinococcus granulosus and Brucella spp. appeared most frequently in the literature. Pathogens with the highest reported prevalence were MERS-CoV (0–100%), Echinococcus granulosa (7–60%) and Rift Valley fever virus (7–57%). Exposure to Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus showed higher levels in camel or camel-associated vectors than other livestock species, although brucellosis was the only disease for which there was robust evidence linking camel and human exposure. Zoonotic agents with less severe human health outcomes, such as Dermatophilosus congolensis and contagious ecthyma, were also represented in the literature. This review provides an important summary of the scope and quality of current knowledge. It demonstrates that further research, and improved adherence to robust study design and reporting are essential if the zoonotic risk from camels in Kenya, and elsewhere, is to be better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Clare Hughes
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin EH25 9RG, UK;
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Henry Wellcome Building, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Neil Euan Anderson
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin EH25 9RG, UK;
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Kidambasi KO, Masiga DK, Villinger J, Carrington M, Bargul JL. Detection of blood pathogens in camels and their associated ectoparasitic camel biting keds, Hippobosca camelina: the potential application of keds in xenodiagnosis of camel haemopathogens. AAS Open Res 2020; 2:164. [PMID: 32510036 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13021.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Major constraints to camel production include pests and diseases. In northern Kenya, little information is available about blood-borne pathogens circulating in one-humped camels ( Camelus dromedarius) or their possible transmission by the camel haematophagous ectoparasite, Hippobosca camelina, commonly known as camel ked or camel fly. This study aimed to: (i) identify the presence of potentially insect-vectored pathogens in camels and camel keds, and (ii) assess the potential utility of keds for xenodiagnosis of camel pathogens that they may not vector. Methods: In Laisamis, northern Kenya, camel blood samples (n = 249) and camel keds (n = 117) were randomly collected from camels. All samples were screened for trypanosomal and camelpox DNA by PCR, and for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Brucella, Coxiella, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR coupled with high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM) analysis. Results: In camels, we detected Trypanosoma vivax (41%), Trypanosoma evansi (1.2%), and " Candidatus Anaplasma camelii" (68.67%). In camel keds, we also detected T. vivax (45.3%), T. evansi (2.56%), Trypanosoma melophagium (1/117) (0.4%), and " Candidatus Anaplasma camelii" (16.24 %). Piroplasms ( Theileria spp. and Babesia spp.), Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and camel pox were not detected in any samples. Conclusions: This study reveals the presence of epizootic pathogens in camels from northern Kenya. Furthermore, the presence of the same pathogens in camels and in keds collected from sampled camels suggests the potential use of these flies in xenodiagnosis of haemopathogens circulating in camels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin O Kidambasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Nairobi, P.O.Box 62000-00200, Kenya.,Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Nairobi, P.O.Box 62000-00200, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Daniel K Masiga
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Joel L Bargul
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Nairobi, P.O.Box 62000-00200, Kenya.,Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Nairobi, P.O.Box 62000-00200, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
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34
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Kidambasi KO, Masiga DK, Villinger J, Carrington M, Bargul JL. Detection of blood pathogens in camels and their associated ectoparasitic camel biting keds, Hippobosca camelina: the potential application of keds in xenodiagnosis of camel haemopathogens. AAS Open Res 2020; 2:164. [PMID: 32510036 PMCID: PMC7243205 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13021.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Major constraints to camel production include pests and diseases. In northern Kenya, little information is available about blood-borne pathogens circulating in one-humped camels (
Camelus dromedarius) or their possible transmission by the camel haematophagous ectoparasite,
Hippobosca camelina, commonly known as camel ked or camel fly. This study aimed to: (i) identify the presence of potentially insect-vectored pathogens in camels and camel keds, and (ii) assess the potential utility of keds for xenodiagnosis of camel pathogens that they may not vector. Methods: In Laisamis, northern Kenya, camel blood samples (n = 249) and camel keds (n = 117) were randomly collected from camels. All samples were screened for trypanosomal and camelpox DNA by PCR, and for
Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Brucella, Coxiella, Theileria, and
Babesia by PCR coupled with high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM) analysis. Results: In camels, we detected
Trypanosoma vivax (41%),
Trypanosoma evansi (1.2%), and “
Candidatus Anaplasma camelii” (68.67%). In camel keds, we also detected
T. vivax (45.3%),
T. evansi (2.56%),
Trypanosoma melophagium (1/117) (0.4%), and “
Candidatus Anaplasma camelii” (16.24 %). Piroplasms (
Theileria spp. and
Babesia spp.),
Coxiella burnetii,
Brucella spp.,
Ehrlichia spp., and camel pox were not detected in any samples. Conclusions: This study reveals the presence of epizootic pathogens in camels from northern Kenya. Furthermore, the presence of the same pathogens in camels and in keds collected from sampled camels suggests the potential use of these flies in xenodiagnosis of haemopathogens circulating in camels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin O Kidambasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Nairobi, P.O.Box 62000-00200, Kenya.,Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Nairobi, P.O.Box 62000-00200, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Daniel K Masiga
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Joel L Bargul
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Nairobi, P.O.Box 62000-00200, Kenya.,Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Nairobi, P.O.Box 62000-00200, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya.,Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
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35
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King’ori E, Obanda V, Chiyo PI, Soriguer RC, Morrondo P, Angelone S. Molecular identification of Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria in African elephants and their ticks. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226083. [PMID: 31805127 PMCID: PMC6894798 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although historical records indicate the presence of Ehrlichia and Babesia in African elephants, not much is known about their prevalence and diversity in elephants and their ticks, Amblyomma thollonii and Rhipicephalus humeralis. We amplified and sequenced the hypervariable V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia and Theileria and the heat shock protein gene (groEL) of Ehrlichia/Anaplasma in DNA extracted from elephant blood (n = 104) and from elephant ticks (n = 52). Our results showed that the African elephants were infected with a novel Babesia spp. while A. thollonii was infected with Theileria bicornis and Theileria cf. velifera. This is the first record of T. bicornis; a protozoan that is linked to fatal infection in rhinoceros in a tick. Elephants and their ticks were all infected with a species of Ehrlichia like that identified in Japanese deer. The prevalence of Babesia spp., Theileria spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in ticks was higher than that of their elephant hosts. About 13.5% of elephants were positive for Theileria or Babesia while 51% of A. thollonii ticks and 27% of R. humeralis ticks were positive for Theileria or Babesia. Moreover, 5.8% of elephants were positive for Ehrlichia or Anaplasma compared to 19.5% in A. thollonii and 18% in R. humeralis. There was no association between the positive result in ticks and that of their elephant hosts for either Babesia spp., Theileria spp. or Ehrlichia spp. Our study reveals that the African elephants are naturally infected with Babesia spp and Ehrlichia spp and opens up an opportunity for further studies to determine the role of elephant as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens, and to investigate their potential in spreading these pathogens as they range extensively. The presence of T. bicornis in A. thollonii also suggests a need for experiments to confirm its vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward King’ori
- Department of Animal Science, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain
- Veterinary Department, Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Vincent Obanda
- Veterinary Department, Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patrick I. Chiyo
- Institute of Primates Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ramon C. Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Patrocinio Morrondo
- Department of Animal Science, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain
| | - Samer Angelone
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies (IEU), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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36
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Ringo AE, Aboge GO, Adjou Moumouni PF, Hun Lee S, Jirapattharasate C, Liu M, Gao Y, Guo H, Zheng W, Efstratiou A, Galon EM, Li J, Thekisoe O, Inoue N, Suzuki H, Xuan X. Molecular detection and genetic characterisation of pathogenic Theileria, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species among apparently healthy sheep in central and western Kenya. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 86:e1-e8. [PMID: 31291731 PMCID: PMC6620505 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v86i1.1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) caused by Theileria, Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species are common in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, we investigated the presence and genetic diversity of Theileria spp., Anaplasma ovis, B. ovis, E. ruminantium and Anaplasma spp. in sheep from the Machakos and Homa Bay counties of Kenya. In order to improve the diagnosis and control of ovine TBDs, a total of 76 blood samples from apparently healthy sheep were screened using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The assays were conducted using primers based on Theileria spp. 18S rRNA, Anaplasma ovis Major surface protein-4 (AoMSP4), B. ovis 18S rRNA, E. ruminantium pCS20 and Anaplasma spp. 16S rRNA. The overall infection rates for Theileria spp., A. ovis, E. ruminantium and Anaplasma spp. were 39/76 (51.3%), 26/76 (34.2%), 6/76 (7.9%) and 31/76 (40.8%), respectively. The overall co-infection was 47/76 (61.8%). All Theileria spp. positive samples were confirmed to be of Theileria ovis on sequencing. A phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene sequences of T. ovis revealed that all isolates of this study clustered with T. ovis sequences extracted from the GenBank suggesting this gene is highly conserved. E. ruminantium pCS20 sequences were in the same clade on the phylogenetic tree. However, three AoMSP4 sequences from this study appeared in the same clade, while one sequence formed a separate branch revealing genetic divergence. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed uncharacterised Anaplasma spp. and A. ovis. The phylogenetic analyses of the uncharacterised Anaplasma spp. revealed that the two sequences from this study appear in an independent clade from other sequences extracted from the GenBank. This study provides important information regarding the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens and their degree of genetic diversity among sheep in Kenya, which is useful for the diagnosis and control of TBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron E Ringo
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.
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37
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Systematic Review of Important Bacterial Zoonoses in Africa in the Last Decade in Light of the 'One Health' Concept. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8020050. [PMID: 30995815 PMCID: PMC6631375 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonoses present a major public health threat and are estimated to account for a substantial part of the infectious disease burden in low-income countries. The severity of zoonotic diseases is compounded by factors such as poverty, living in close contact with livestock and wildlife, immunosuppression as well as coinfection with other diseases. The interconnections between humans, animals and the environment are essential to understand the spread and subsequent containment of zoonoses. We searched three scientific databases for articles relevant to the epidemiology of bacterial zoonoses/zoonotic bacterial pathogens, including disease prevalence and control measures in humans and multiple animal species, in various African countries within the period from 2008 to 2018. The review identified 1966 articles, of which 58 studies in 29 countries met the quality criteria for data extraction. The prevalence of brucellosis, leptospirosis, Q fever ranged from 0–40%, 1.1–24% and 0.9–28.2%, respectively, depending on geographical location and even higher in suspected outbreak cases. Risk factors for human zoonotic infection included exposure to livestock and animal slaughters. Dietary factors linked with seropositivity were found to include consumption of raw milk and locally fermented milk products. It was found that zoonoses such as leptospirosis, brucellosis, Q fever and rickettsiosis among others are frequently under/misdiagnosed in febrile patients seeking treatment at healthcare centres, leading to overdiagnoses of more familiar febrile conditions such as malaria and typhoid fever. The interactions at the human–animal interface contribute substantially to zoonotic infections. Seroprevalence of the various zoonoses varies by geographic location and species. There is a need to build laboratory capacity and effective surveillance processes for timely and effective detection and control of zoonoses in Africa. A multifaceted ‘One Health’ approach to tackle zoonoses is critical in the fight against zoonotic diseases. The impacts of zoonoses include: (1) Humans are always in contact with animals including livestock and zoonoses are causing serious life-threatening infections in humans. Almost 75% of the recent major global disease outbreaks have a zoonotic origin. (2) Zoonoses are a global health challenge represented either by well-known or newly emerging zoonotic diseases. (3) Zoonoses are caused by all-known cellular (bacteria, fungi and parasites) and noncellular (viruses or prions) pathogens. (4) There are limited data on zoonotic diseases from Africa. The fact that human health and animal health are inextricably linked, global coordinated and well-established interdisciplinary research efforts are essential to successfully fight and reduce the health burden due to zoonoses. This critically requires integrated data from both humans and animals on zoonotic diseases.
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38
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Thu MJ, Qiu Y, Matsuno K, Kajihara M, Mori-Kajihara A, Omori R, Monma N, Chiba K, Seto J, Gokuden M, Andoh M, Oosako H, Katakura K, Takada A, Sugimoto C, Isoda N, Nakao R. Diversity of spotted fever group rickettsiae and their association with host ticks in Japan. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1500. [PMID: 30728409 PMCID: PMC6365641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37836-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae are obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria mainly associated with ticks. In Japan, several hundred cases of Japanese spotted fever, caused by Rickettsia japonica, are reported annually. Other Rickettsia species are also known to exist in ixodid ticks; however, their phylogenetic position and pathogenic potential are poorly understood. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey on questing ticks to understand the overall diversity of SFG rickettsiae in Japan. Out of 2,189 individuals (19 tick species in 4 genera), 373 (17.0%) samples were positive for Rickettsia spp. as ascertained by real-time PCR amplification of the citrate synthase gene (gltA). Conventional PCR and sequencing analyses of gltA indicated the presence of 15 different genotypes of SFG rickettsiae. Based on the analysis of five additional genes, we characterised five Rickettsia species; R. asiatica, R. helvetica, R. monacensis (formerly reported as Rickettsia sp. In56 in Japan), R. tamurae, and Candidatus R. tarasevichiae and several unclassified SFG rickettsiae. We also found a strong association between rickettsial genotypes and their host tick species, while there was little association between rickettsial genotypes and their geographical origins. These observations suggested that most of the SFG rickettsiae have a limited host range and are maintained in certain tick species in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- May June Thu
- Unit of Risk Analysis and Management, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan.,Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yongjin Qiu
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P. O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Keita Matsuno
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.,Global Station for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Akina Mori-Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Omori
- Division of Bioinformatics, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan.,Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Naota Monma
- Department of Infection Control, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kazuki Chiba
- Fukushima Institute for Public Health, 16-6 Mitouchi Houkida, Fukushima, 960-8560, Japan
| | - Junji Seto
- Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health, 1-6-6 Toka-machi, Yamagata, 990-0031, Japan
| | - Mutsuyo Gokuden
- Kagoshima Prefectural Institute for Environmental Research and Public Health, 11-40 Kinko cho, Kagoshima, 892-0835, Japan
| | - Masako Andoh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Hideo Oosako
- Kumamoto Prefectural Institute of Public-Health and Environmental Science, Uto-shi, Kumamoto, 869-0425, Japan
| | - Ken Katakura
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ayato Takada
- Global Station for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.,Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Global Station for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.,Division of Collaboration and Education, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Norikazu Isoda
- Unit of Risk Analysis and Management, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan.,Global Station for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.
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Omondi D, Masiga DK, Fielding BC, Kariuki E, Ajamma YU, Mwamuye MM, Ouso DO, Villinger J. Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogen Diversities in Ticks from Livestock and Reptiles along the Shores and Adjacent Islands of Lake Victoria and Lake Baringo, Kenya. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:73. [PMID: 28620610 PMCID: PMC5451513 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although diverse tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are endemic to East Africa, with recognized impact on human and livestock health, their diversity and specific interactions with tick and vertebrate host species remain poorly understood in the region. In particular, the role of reptiles in TBP epidemiology remains unknown, despite having been implicated with TBPs of livestock among exported tortoises and lizards. Understanding TBP ecologies, and the potential role of common reptiles, is critical for the development of targeted transmission control strategies for these neglected tropical disease agents. During the wet months (April-May; October-December) of 2012-2013, we surveyed TBP diversity among 4,126 ticks parasitizing livestock and reptiles at homesteads along the shores and islands of Lake Baringo and Lake Victoria in Kenya, regions endemic to diverse neglected tick-borne diseases. After morphological identification of 13 distinct Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, and Hyalomma tick species, ticks were pooled (≤8 individuals) by species, host, sampling site, and collection date into 585 tick pools. By supplementing previously established molecular assays for TBP detection with high-resolution melting analysis of PCR products before sequencing, we identified high frequencies of potential disease agents of ehrlichiosis (12.48% Ehrlichia ruminantium, 9.06% Ehrlichia canis), anaplasmosis (6.32% Anaplasma ovis, 14.36% Anaplasma platys, and 3.08% Anaplasma bovis,), and rickettsiosis (6.15% Rickettsia africae, 2.22% Rickettsia aeschlimannii, 4.27% Rickettsia rhipicephali, and 4.95% Rickettsia spp.), as well as Paracoccus sp. and apicomplexan hemoparasites (0.51% Theileria sp., 2.56% Hepatozoon fitzsimonsi, and 1.37% Babesia caballi) among tick pools. Notably, we identified E. ruminantium in both Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus pools of ticks sampled from livestock in both study areas as well as in Amblyomma falsomarmoreum (66.7%) and Amblyomma nuttalli (100%) sampled from tortoises and Amblyomma sparsum (63.6%) sampled in both cattle and tortoises at Lake Baringo. Similarly, we identified E. canis in rhipicephaline ticks sampled from livestock and dogs in both regions and Amblyomma latum (75%) sampled from monitor lizards at Lake Victoria. These novel tick-host-pathogen interactions have implications on the risk of disease transmission to humans and domestic animals and highlight the complexity of TBP ecologies, which may include reptiles as reservoir species, in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Omondi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
- Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya
| | - Daniel K. Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Yvonne Ukamaka Ajamma
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Micky M. Mwamuye
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel O. Ouso
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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40
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Koka H, Sang R, Kutima HL, Musila L. The Detection of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia DNA in Tick Samples From Pastoral Communities in Kenya. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:774-780. [PMID: 28073909 PMCID: PMC5850802 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study, ticks from pastoral communities in Kenya were tested for Rickettsia spp. infections in geographical regions where the presence of tick-borne arboviruses had previously been reported. Rickettsial and arbovirus infections have similar clinical features which makes differential diagnosis challenging when both diseases occur. The tick samples were tested for Rickettsia spp. by conventional PCR using three primer sets targeting the gltA, ompA, and ompB genes followed by amplicon sequencing. Of the tick pools screened, 25% (95/380) were positive for Rickettsia spp. DNA using the gltA primer set. Of the tick-positive pools, 60% were ticks collected from camels. Rickettsia aeschlimannii and R. africae were the main Rickettsia spp. detected in the tick pools sequenced. The findings of this study indicate that multiple Rickettsia species are circulating in ticks from pastoral communities in Kenya and could contribute to the etiology of febrile illness in these areas. Diagnosis and treatment of rickettsial infections should be a public health priority in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellen Koka
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya ( ; )
- US Army Medical Research Directorate - Kenya, P. O. Box 606-00621, Nairobi, Kenya ( )
| | - Rosemary Sang
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Virus Research, P. O. Box 54628-00200, Nairobi, Kenya ( )
- International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, P. O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Helen Lydia Kutima
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya (; )
| | - Lillian Musila
- US Army Medical Research Directorate - Kenya, P. O. Box 606-00621, Nairobi, Kenya
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