Survey of Ticks and Tick-Borne Rickettsial and Protozoan Pathogens in Eswatini.

ABSTRACT: Ticks are widespread parasites of vertebrates and major vectors of pathogens to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In southern Africa, numerous tick species transmit diseases of economic and health importance. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in multiple land-use types and the possible role of ticks in the transmission of pathogen species. Using molecular techniques, we screened 1716 ticks for infection by rickettsial bacteria and protozoans. To characterize pathogen identity, we sequenced multiple loci from positive samples and analyzed sequences within a phylogenetic framework. Across the seven tick species collected as nymphs or adults, we detected Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Hepatozoon,

SUBMITTER: Ledger KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8401679 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature