Diversity and Endosymbionts of Tick Borne Pathogens at Human-Wild Life Livestock Interfaces in Coastal National Reserves, Kenya
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Date
2024-04
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Ticks are vectors that can harbor pathogens like viruses, protozoa, and bacteria that can
cause zoonotic diseases in humans. Human gets infected through tick bites where the
pathogens are passed into the human blood. The lack of surveillance information about
tick-borne pathogens and diseases has made it impossible to assess its impact on human
and livestock. This study determined the diversity and endosymbionts of tick borne
pathogens at human-wild life livestock interfaces in coastal national reserves, Kenya.
Ticks were collected from both near Tsavo National Reserve in Taita Taveta County and
Shimba hills national gane reserves in Kwale County using sterile forceps from restrained
cattle and detected morphologically with the aid of morphological keys. Representative
of the morphologicaly identified ticks were molecularly identified. Identity as well as
characterization of pathogens carried by ticksand endosymbionts was done by
Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia specific RT-PCR product sequencing and HRM
analysis.The sum of 317 (281 adult ticks and 36 nymphs) was sampled near Tsavo
National Reserve, which includes seven species. Amblyomma was the most sampled
genus withAmblyomma gemma being the most sampled species (n=135, 42.6%). Another
Amblyomma species sampled was Amblyomma Variegatum (n= 40, 12.62%). Greatest
species diversity was identified in Rhipicephalus genus with four species identified that
includes; Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (n=44, 13.9%), Rhipicephalus Averts (n=1,
0.31%), Rhipicephalus Decoloratus (n=5, 1.6%), Rhipicephalus Pulchellus (n= 91,
28.7%). A single species of Hyalomma sp. was sampled. From near Shimba Hill game
reserve (SHNR), a total of 240 adult ticks were sampled comprises of eight species.
Amblyomma was the most sampled genus and againAmblyomma gemma was the most
sampled species (n=156, 65 %). Other Amblyomma species sampled includes;
Amblyomma Lepidum (n= 5, 2.1 %), Amblyomma Variegatum (n= 15, 6.3 %). Greatest
species diversity was also identified in Rhipicephalus genus with four species identified
that includes; Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (n=18, 7.5 %), Rhipicephalus Averts (n=6,
2.5 %), Rhipicephalus Decoloratus (n=4, 1.7 %), Rhipicephalus Pulchellus (n= 34, 14.2
%). The least sampled species was a single species of Hyalomma Scupense (n=2, 0.83
%). At near Tsavo National Reserve (TNR), a total of three pools of Rhipicephaline
appendiculatus were positive for Theileria parva, two pools of Rhipicephaline evertsi for
Anaplasma platys, and one pool of Amblyomma variegatum nymphs for Rickettsia
africae. From near Shimba Hill game reserve (SHNR), , Rickettsia africae pathogen was
detected in two pools of Am. variegatum and one pool of Am. Gemma. Rickettsia sp. and
Anaplasma sp. were detected in Am. Gemma and Rh. evertsi respective. R. aeschlimannii
was isolated in a pool of Am. Gemma.Coxiella spp.endosymbionts were detected in
Rhipicephalus ticks in both study area. Robust vector surveillance and biological control
programs against ticks should be emphasized in both Tsavo and Shimba Hills National
Reserves. Biological control mechanisms for tick endosymbionts should be encouraged
for employment as a tick control methods due to their ability to limit vector competency.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Infectious Diseases in the School of Health Sciences of Kenyatta University April, 2024
Supervisors:
1. Nelson Menza
2. Margaret Muturi