Molecular detection and phylogenetic characterization of Rickettsia in ticks collected from leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) in rural Zambia.

ABSTRACT: In sub-Saharan Africa, limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises. Here, we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks (Amblyomma marmoreum) collected from the leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) in rural Zambia. Using polymerase chain reaction, 56% (49/87) of ticks were positive for the Rickettsia outer membrane protein (ompB) gene. Multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on the ompB, ompA, and citrate synthase (gltA) genes showed that the ticks carried R. africae, and other Rickettsia spp. closely related to R . raoultii, R . massiliae, R . tamurae

SUBMITTER: Khumalo CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11388670 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature