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Etiang P, Atim SA, Nkamwesiga J, Nalumenya D, Byaruhanga C, Odongo S, Vudriko P, Ademun AR, Biryomumaisho S, Erume J, Masembe C, Thomson EC, Muhanguzi D, Tweyongyere R. Identification and distribution of Rhipicephalus microplus in selected high-cattle density districts in Uganda: signaling future demand for novel tick control approaches. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:119. [PMID: 38528496 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03979-z] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1888), the Asian blue tick, is a highly invasive and adaptable ectoparasite. This tick species has successfully established itself in most regions of the world, with movement of cattle being a major driver for its spread. In the recent past, R. microplus ticks have been reported in three districts of Uganda. Information on its spread and distribution are vital in deepening our understanding of the ecological scenarios that lead to tick persistence and in the formulation of control strategies. This is especially important in the cattle-dense districts. METHODS We randomly collected tick specimens from 1,461cattle spread across seven cattle dense districts located in the Central, Karamoja and West Nile regions of Uganda from January to September 2020. The ticks were identified using standard morpho-taxonomic keys and the R. microplus tick species identities were confirmed by sequencing of the ITS2 region, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS Adult ticks (n = 13,019) were collected from 1,461 cattle. Seventeen tick species were identified based on morpho-taxonomic keys and the majority (47.4%; n=6184) of these were R. appendiculatus. In total, 257 R. microplus ticks were found infesting cattle in 18 study sites in the districts of Amudat, Kaabong, Napak (Karamoja region) and Arua (West Nile region). The identity of R. microplus was confirmed using molecular technics. No R. microplus tick was recorded in the districts of Lyantonde and Nakaseke (Central region). Arua district accounted for 82.1% (n=211) of the R. microplus ticks recorded followed by Napak district at 16.3% (n=42), while Amudat and Kaabong districts accounted for 1.5% (n=4). Rhipicephalus microplus and R. decoloratus co-existed in 6 of the 13 study sites in Arua district, while in another 6 study sites, no R. decoloratus was recorded. In the Karamoja region districts R. decoloratus co-existed with R.microplus. Of the total 618 ticks belonging to four species of the subgenus Boophilus recorded in this study, R. decoloratus accounted for 50.04% (n=334), followed by R. microplus at 41.58% (n=257), R. geigyi at 2.75% (n=17) and R. annulatus at 1.61% (n=10). In the districts of Amudat, Kaabong and Napak, R. decoloratus was more dominant (76.1%; n=179) of the three Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) tick species recorded, followed by R. microplus (19.5%; n=46) and R. geigyi (4.2%; n=10). Contrariwise, R. microplus was more dominant (84%; n=211) in Arua district followed by R. decoloratus (10.7%; n=27), R. annulatus (3.9%; n=10) and R. geigyi (1.1%; n=3). Phylogenetic analyses of the ITS2 region, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes revealed subgrouping of the obtained sequences with the previously published R. microplus sequences from other parts of the world. CONCLUSION Rhipicephalus microplus ticks were found infesting cattle in four districts of Uganda. The inability to find R. decoloratus, an indigenous tick, from six sites in the district of Arua is suggestive of its replacement by R. microplus. Rhipicephalus microplus negatively affects livestock production, and therefore, there is a need to determine its distribution and to deepen the understanding of the ecological factors that lead to its spread and persistence in an area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Etiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University, P.O. Box 236, Tororo, Uganda
| | - Stella A Atim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, P.O. Box 102, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Joseph Nkamwesiga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Nalumenya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Byaruhanga
- National Agricultural Research Organization, P.O. Box 259, Entebbe, Uganda
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Steven Odongo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Vudriko
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anna Rose Ademun
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, P.O. Box 102, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Savino Biryomumaisho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Erume
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Masembe
- College of Natural Sciences (CONAS), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emma C Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Dennis Muhanguzi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Tweyongyere
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
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Nchu F, Nyangiwe N, Muhanguzi D, Nzalawahe J, Nagagi YP, Msalya G, Joseph NA, Kimaro EG, Mollel M, Temba V, Harouna DV. Development of a practical framework for sustainable surveillance and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Africa. Vet World 2020; 13:1910-1921. [PMID: 33132605 PMCID: PMC7566270 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1910-1921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A workshop on ticks and tick-borne diseases (T&TBDs) was held on June 25 and 26, 2019, at the Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Arusha, Tanzania. The objectives of the workshop were to discuss the current situation and to formulate actionable strategies to improve surveillance and control of T&TBDs in Africa. The workshop was funded by the National Research Foundation and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and attended by livestock health providers, farmers, and researchers from East, West, and Southern African countries. During the workshop, experts presented recent surveillance data focused on T&TBDs; participants discussed research opportunities and community engagement. The primary outcome of the workshop was the creation of a new research consortium known as The African Consortium for T&TBDs. The consortium is intended to function as a community for researchers, students, farmers, policymakers, extension workers, and community members who are interested in the advancement of T&TBD control. The consortium will engage in research activities that focus on comprehensive surveillance of T&TBDs, developing tick acaricide resistance, alternative tick control programs, and policy development and education. These areas were identified as top priorities to be developed to improve T&TBD control on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Nchu
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, Symphony Way, Bellville, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa
| | - Nkululeko Nyangiwe
- Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim 4930, South Africa.,Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Dennis Muhanguzi
- Department of Biomolecular and Biolaboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jahashi Nzalawahe
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3019, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Yakob Petro Nagagi
- Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - George Msalya
- Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3004, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania.,Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Natala Audu Joseph
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Esther Gwae Kimaro
- Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Margaret Mollel
- Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Violet Temba
- Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Difo Voukang Harouna
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Nutritional Sciences, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
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Muhanguzi D, Byaruhanga J, Amanyire W, Ndekezi C, Ochwo S, Nkamwesiga J, Mwiine FN, Tweyongyere R, Fourie J, Madder M, Schetters T, Horak I, Juleff N, Jongejan F. Invasive cattle ticks in East Africa: morphological and molecular confirmation of the presence of Rhipicephalus microplus in south-eastern Uganda. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:165. [PMID: 32245511 PMCID: PMC7118885 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04043-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhipicephalus microplus, an invasive tick species of Asian origin and the main vector of Babesia species, is considered one of the most widespread ectoparasites of livestock. The tick has spread from its native habitats on translocated livestock to large parts of the tropical world, where it has replaced some of the local populations of Rhipicephalus decoloratus ticks. Although the tick was reported in Uganda 70 years ago, it has not been found in any subsequent surveys. This study was carried out to update the national tick species distribution on livestock in Uganda as a basis for tick and tick-borne disease control, with particular reference to R. microplus. METHODS The study was carried out in Kadungulu, Serere district, south-eastern Uganda, which is dominated by small scale livestock producers. All the ticks collected from 240 cattle from six villages were identified microscopically. Five R. microplus specimens were further processed for phylogenetic analysis and species confirmation. RESULTS The predominant tick species found on cattle was Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (86.9 %; n = 16,509). Other species found were Amblyomma variegatum (7.2 %; n = 1377), Rhipicephalus evertsi (2.3 %; n = 434) and R. microplus (3.6 %; n = 687). Phylogenetic analysis of the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and ITS2 gene sequences of R. microplus confirmed the morphological identification. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that R. microplus has replaced R. decoloratus in the sampled villages in Kadungulu sub-county, since the latter was not any longer found in this area. There is currently no livestock movement policy in force in Uganda, which could possibly limit the further spread of R. microplus ticks. Future surveys, but also retrospective surveys of museum specimens, will reveal the extent of distribution of R. microplus in Uganda and also for how long this tick has been present on livestock without being noticed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Muhanguzi
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Byaruhanga
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Wilson Amanyire
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christian Ndekezi
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sylvester Ochwo
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Nkamwesiga
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Frank Norbert Mwiine
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Tweyongyere
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Josephus Fourie
- ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 11186, Universitas, 9321, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Maxime Madder
- Clinglobal, B03/04, The Tamarin Commercial Hub, Jacaranda Avenue, Tamarin, 90903, Mauritius. .,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Theo Schetters
- Clinglobal, B03/04, The Tamarin Commercial Hub, Jacaranda Avenue, Tamarin, 90903, Mauritius.,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Ivan Horak
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Nick Juleff
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frans Jongejan
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.,Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Kerario II, Simuunza M, Laisser ELK, Chenyambuga S. Exploring knowledge and management practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases among agro-pastoral communities in Southern Highlands, Tanzania. Vet World 2018; 11:48-57. [PMID: 29479157 PMCID: PMC5813511 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.48-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The current study was conducted to assess the farmers' knowledge and management practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) through individual interview using a structured questionnaire in Mbarali and Momba districts of Mbeya region. Materials and Methods A total of 240 households, 120 from each district were asked to mention TBDs of cattle which they thought were the most important in their localities and period of the year when the diseases occurred more frequently. In addition, farmers were asked to describe clinical signs and management practices associated with the common TBDs that they knew. Results The majority of respondents (46.2%) reported that East Coast fever (ECF) was the most important disease of cattle in the region, followed by anaplasmosis (33.8%), heartwater (15.4%), and babesiosis (4.6%). According to the farmers, ECF and anaplasmosis occurred more frequently during the dry season, while babesiosis and heartwater occurred more frequently during the rainy season. The majority of farmers were able to describe properly the signs of the common TBDs. Most farmers (80.4%) reported that they used acaricide to control ticks at a frequency of after every 2 weeks and a small proportion (15.8%) vaccinated their animals against ECF. Conclusion It can be concluded that farmers in Mbeya have considerable knowledge on tick species and clinical signs of TBDs affecting their cattle. Based on the findings of the current study, it is recommended that integrated approach to the control of ticks and TBDs be adopted in the study area and many other areas that utilize agro-pastoral and pastoral cattle production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isack Ibrahim Kerario
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Martin Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Emmanuel L K Laisser
- School Quality Assurance Department, Eastern Zone, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, P.O. Box 325, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Sebastian Chenyambuga
- Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania
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A review on prevalence, control measure, and tolerance of Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu cattle to East Coast fever in Tanzania. Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 49:813-822. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1266-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Genes encoding two Theileria parva antigens recognized by CD8+ T-cells exhibit sequence diversity in South Sudanese cattle populations but the majority of alleles are similar to the Muguga component of the live vaccine cocktail. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171426. [PMID: 28231338 PMCID: PMC5322890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
East Coast fever (ECF), caused by Theileria parva infection, is a frequently fatal disease of cattle in eastern, central and southern Africa, and an emerging disease in South Sudan. Immunization using the infection and treatment method (ITM) is increasingly being used for control in countries affected by ECF, but not yet in South Sudan. It has been reported that CD8+ T-cell lymphocytes specific for parasitized cells play a central role in the immunity induced by ITM and a number of T. parva antigens recognized by parasite-specific CD8+ T-cells have been identified. In this study we determined the sequence diversity among two of these antigens, Tp1 and Tp2, which are under evaluation as candidates for inclusion in a sub-unit vaccine. T. parva samples (n = 81) obtained from cattle in four geographical regions of South Sudan were studied for sequence polymorphism in partial sequences of the Tp1 and Tp2 genes. Eight positions (1.97%) in Tp1 and 78 positions (15.48%) in Tp2 were shown to be polymorphic, giving rise to four and 14 antigen variants in Tp1 and Tp2, respectively. The overall nucleotide diversity in the Tp1 and Tp2 genes was π = 1.65% and π = 4.76%, respectively. The parasites were sampled from regions approximately 300 km apart, but there was limited evidence for genetic differentiation between populations. Analyses of the sequences revealed limited numbers of amino acid polymorphisms both overall and in residues within the mapped CD8+ T-cell epitopes. Although novel epitopes were identified in the samples from South Sudan, a large number of the samples harboured several epitopes in both antigens that were similar to those in the T. parva Muguga reference stock, which is a key component in the widely used live vaccine cocktail.
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Isack IK, Walter M, Sebastian C, Marja K, Seong-Gu H, Martin S. Abundance and distribution of Ixodid tick species infesting cattle reared under traditional farming systems in Tanzania. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.5897/ajar2016.12028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Marcellino WL, Salih DA, Njahira MN, Ndiwa N, Araba A, El Hussein AM, Seitzer U, Ahmed JS, Bishop RP, Skilton RA. The Emergence of Theileria parva
in Jonglei State, South Sudan: Confirmation Using Molecular and Serological Diagnostic Tools. Transbound Emerg Dis 2016; 64:1229-1235. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W. L. Marcellino
- Biosciences eastern and central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute Hub (BecA-ILRI Hub); Nairobi Kenya
- Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries; Juba South Sudan
| | - D. A. Salih
- Biosciences eastern and central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute Hub (BecA-ILRI Hub); Nairobi Kenya
- Veterinary Research Institute; Khartoum Sudan
| | - M. N. Njahira
- Biosciences eastern and central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute Hub (BecA-ILRI Hub); Nairobi Kenya
| | - N. Ndiwa
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI); Nairobi Kenya
| | - A. Araba
- Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries; Juba South Sudan
| | | | - U. Seitzer
- Division of Veterinary Infection Biology and Immunology; Research Center Borstel; Borstel; Schleswig-Holstein Germany
| | - J. S. Ahmed
- Division of Veterinary Infection Biology and Immunology; Research Center Borstel; Borstel; Schleswig-Holstein Germany
| | - R. P. Bishop
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI); Nairobi Kenya
| | - R. A. Skilton
- Biosciences eastern and central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute Hub (BecA-ILRI Hub); Nairobi Kenya
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Alpha proteobacteria of genusAnaplasma(Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae): Epidemiology and characteristics ofAnaplasmaspecies related to veterinary and public health importance. Parasitology 2016; 143:659-85. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016000238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARYTheAnaplasmaspecies are important globally distributed tick-transmitted bacteria of veterinary and public health importance. These pathogens, cause anaplasmosis in domestic and wild animal species including humans.Rhipicephalus, Ixodes, DermacentorandAmblyommagenera of ticks are the important vectors ofAnaplasma.Acute anaplasmosis is usually diagnosed upon blood smear examination followed by antibodies and nucleic acid detection. All age groups are susceptible but prevalence increases with age. Serological cross-reactivity is one of the important issues amongAnaplasmaspecies. They co-exist and concurrent infections occur in animals and ticks in same geographic area. These are closely related bacteria and share various common attributes which should be considered while developing vaccines and diagnostic assays. Movement of susceptible animals from non-endemic to endemic regions is the major risk factor of bovine/ovine anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever. Tetracyclines are currently available drugs for clearance of infection and treatment in humans and animals. Worldwide vaccine is not yet available. Identification, elimination of reservoirs, vector control (chemical and biological), endemic stability, habitat modification, rearing of tick resistant breeds, chemotherapy and tick vaccination are major control measures of animal anaplasmosis. Identification of reservoirs and minimizing the high-risk tick exposure activities are important control strategies for human granulocytic anaplasmosis.
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Byaruhanga C, Collins NE, Knobel D, Kabasa W, Oosthuizen MC. Endemic status of tick-borne infections and tick species diversity among transhumant zebu cattle in Karamoja Region, Uganda: Support for control approaches. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2016; 1-2:21-30. [PMID: 31018404 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a study to investigate tick species diversity, seroprevalence of antibodies to Anaplasma marginale and Theileria parva, and the risk factors for these infections among cattle under a transhumant production system in Karamoja Region, Uganda, from November 2013 through January 2014. Twenty herds were randomly selected from 20 purposively-selected superherds. Semi-structured interviews and piling for annual proportion of tick-borne disease (TBD) cases in different age groups, with pastoralist groups, clinical examinations and field observations were employed to obtain information related to the epidemiology of TBDs. Ticks were collected and identified from whole body inspections of at least seven systematically selected cattle in each herd. Concurrently, serum was collected from 397 cattle. Antibodies to A. marginale were detected by MSP-5 competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and to T. parva by indirect fluorescent antibody test. Clinical examinations and informant interviews showed that TBDs affected all age groups of cattle. Tick species that have not been reported in recent studies from other parts of Uganda were collected, namely Amblyomma lepidum, Hyalomma truncatum, Amblyomma gemma, and Rhipicephalus pulchellus. Out of the 10,923 ticks collected, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (54.4%) was the most abundant species followed by Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (17.7%), Amblyomma variegatum (12%) and A. lepidum (11.6%). Two-thirds of the sampled cattle had moderate (37.3%, 11-50 ticks) to abundant (28.6%, >50 ticks) numbers of ticks. Seroprevalence of A. marginale was high (86.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 80.8%-91.8%), while that of T. parva was low (14.6%, 95% CI 7.1%-22.4%). Cattle of 5-12months (18.3%, Odds ratio [OR]=4.1) and 13-24months (30.3%, OR=8.0) were more likely to be seropositive for T. parva than those >24months. For A. marginale, cattle of 13-24months (92.4%, OR=2.7) and >24months (89.7%, OR=2.0) were more likely to be seropositive than those 5-12months. There was a significant difference (p<0.001, OR=6.5) in the proportion of T. parva seropositive animals between Moroto (24.5%) and Kotido districts (4.8%), but not for A. marginale. In conclusion, the low seroprevalence for T. parva, possibly due to limited exposure in calves, may suggest a high likelihood of ECF in cattle. High seroprevalence for A. marginale suggests that a high proportion of cattle were exposed to infection. The findings provide knowledge of epidemiology of TBDs in Karamoja cattle and support for strategic control and improvement of cattle productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Byaruhanga
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; National Agricultural Research Organisation, P.O. Box 259, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - N E Collins
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - D Knobel
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - W Kabasa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - M C Oosthuizen
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
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Laisser ELK, Kipanyula MJ, Msalya G, Mdegela RH, Karimuribo ED, Mwilawa AJ, Mwega ED, Kusiluka L, Chenyambuga SW. Tick burden and prevalence of Theileria parva infection in Tarime zebu cattle in the lake zone of Tanzania. Trop Anim Health Prod 2014; 46:1391-6. [PMID: 25092591 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-014-0651-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to assess the distribution, abundance of different tick genera and prevalence of Theileria parva infection in Tarime zebu cattle kept in selected wards of Serengeti and Tarime districts in Mara region. Adult ticks were identified and counted from half body parts of 360 animals which were extensively managed in communal land with natural pastures. Concurrently, blood samples were collected and thereafter DNA extracted and a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was done using primers specific for p104 gene to detect the presence of T. parva DNA. Ticks were identified into four groups: Amblyomma genus, Boophilus sub-genus of Rhipicephalus genus, other species of Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma genus. Rhipicephalus genus accounted for 71.8 % of the total ticks, whereas Amblyomma, Boophilus sub-genus of Rhipicephalus genus and Hyalomma constituted 14.1, 14.0 and 0.1 %, respectively. There were more animals (p < 0.05) infested with ticks in Tarime district (96.1 %) than in Serengeti (61.7 %). The average counts of ticks were higher in adult animals (p < 0.05) than in young animals. The overall prevalence of T. parva was 27.7 % and was higher (p < 0.05) in Serengeti (38.3 %) than in Tarime district (16.7 %). However, all animals tested positive for T. parva did not show any clinical signs of East Coast fever (ECF), suggesting the existence of subclinical infection in Tarime zebu. These results suggest that Tarime cattle can tolerate ECF infection and are likely to serve as potential carriers of T. parva to other less-tolerant cattle breeds in mixed herds. Since Tarime cattle are preferred by most farmers with mixed herds, routine screening for T. parva is highly recommended to minimize introduction of infected cattle into an immunologically naive population.
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Kivaria FM. The shifting landscape of tick-borne diseases and the effects of global change. Vet J 2012; 193:311-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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