Identification of Rickettsia species in cattle ticks in selected regions of urban Ghana

Christopher Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah, Seth Offei Addo, Jane Ansah-Owusu, Richard Odoi Teye Malm, Selma Nurudeen Salley, Millie Cindy Aba Aude Koffi, Mufeez Abudu, Danielle Ladzekpo, Daniel Oduro, Jewelna Akorli, Samuel K. Dadzie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Ticks continue to invade new regions spreading pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance. Diverse tick species have been reported in Ghana due to the continuous trade of livestock. In this study, ticks were collected from cattle in three sites within Southern Ghana. The 1489 ticks collected were morphologically identified and further confirmed using a molecular assay that amplifies the 660-bp segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. These ticks were pooled and screened for pathogens of zoonotic importance. From the 215 tick pools screened, Rickettsia DNA was detected in 34 (15.81%). Sanger sequencing revealed the occurrence of Rickettsia africae (14.42%), the causative agent of African tick-bite fever, and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (1.39%). Regular monitoring of tick populations is essential to generate data for creating effective control and preventive measures.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMedical and Veterinary Entomology
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2025

Keywords

  • R. aeschlimannii
  • R. africae
  • Southern Ghana
  • ticks

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