Zoonotic Pathogens Detected In Ticks In Kenyan Game Reserves
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Date
2022
Authors
Godani, Salim Kobo
Chengo, Menza Nelson
Muturi, Margaret W
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Scientific Research Publishing
Abstract
Little is known on tick-borne pathogens and their role in disease in game reserves
in Kenya. Ticks were collected by sterile forceps from restrained cattle
hide and placed into labeled falcon tubes. Ticks were screened for pathogens
by High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing of specific
RT-PCR products of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia , and Rickettsia species. A total of
317 ticks (281 adult ticks and 36 nymphs) comprising seven species were collected
around the Tsavo National Reserve (TNR) in Taita Taveta County with
Amblyomma gemma being the most commonly collected species (n = 135,
42.6%). From near Shimba Hill game reserve (SHNR), a total of 240 adult’s
ticks were sampled, representing eight species, with again Amblyomma
gemma being the most sampled species (n = 156, 65%). From Tsavo, a total of
three pools of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus were positive for Theileria parva ,
two pools of Rhipicephaline evertsi for Anaplasma platys and one pool of
Amblyomma variegatum nymphs for Rickettsia africae . Rickettsia africae ,
which causes African tick-bite fever, was detected in two pools of Am. variegatum
and one pool of Amblyomma gemma collected near Shimba Hill game
reserve. Rickettsia sp. and Anaplasma sp. were detected in Am. gemma and
Rh. evertsi respectively. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in a pool of
Am. gemma. These findings highlight the risk of transmission of zoonotic
pathogens to humans in regions with high human-wildlife interfaces. Of specific
importance, we provide evidence of R. aeschlimannii in A. gemma for
the first time, representing a potential new R. aeschlimannii vectors
Description
Article
Keywords
High Resolution Melting, Amblyomma gemma, Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii
Citation
Godani, S. K., Chengo, M. N., & Muturi, M. W. (2022). Zoonotic Pathogens Detected in Ticks in Kenyan Game Reserves. Advances in Entomology, 11(1), 1-9.