Investigation of potentially zoonotic <i>Rickettsia</i> species in dogs and their attached ticks in Malawi through the lens of One Health.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genus Rickettsia in the order Rickettsiales (Alphaproteobacteria) consists of gram-negative obligate intracellular bacteria that infect a wide range of hosts. Epidemiological studies on the occurrence of Rickettsia spp. and their associated tick vectors are essential to understand their distribution, host range, and transmission mechanisms in nature. This is particularly relevant within the One Health framework, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health.

Methods

To investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp. in dogs and their ticks in Malawi, a molecular survey was conducted. A total of 209 dog blood and 259 tick samples of the species Haemaphysalis elliptica (n = 16) and Rhipicepha

SUBMITTER: Chatanga E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12482336 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature