Amblyomma Lepidum Research Articles

Ticks and hemoplasma screening in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Somalia.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are small pleomorphic bacteria that parasitize the surface of red blood cells of mammals. Hemoplasmas have been described in different species from the Camelidae Family, such as llamas and alpacas (South American camelids), but data on dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are limited to a few reports. Somalia has one of the world's largest dromedary camel populations, and studies on hemoplasmas and tick-borne pathogens are lacking. Accordingly, this study aimed to screen dromedaries from Somalia for hemoplasmas by PCR-based assays. A total of 155 dromedary camel blood samples from 2 different areas of Mogadishu (n = 104) and the Lower Shabelle Region (n = 51) of the country were collected. All blood DNA samples were screened for hemoplasmas using a SYBR Green Universal Real-Time PCR (qPCR), nested PCR (nPCR), and conventional PCR (cPCR) assays targeting the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas. Five out of 155 animals (3.23%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-7.33%) were positive for hemoplasmas. A total of 346 (228 M, 117 F, and 1 nymph) ticks were collected from 79/155 (50.9%; 95% CI: 42.8-59.1%) dromedary camels with a mean of 4.4 ticks per animal. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus pulchellus (174/346; 50.3%), Hyalomma dromedarii (103/346; 29.8%), Hyalomma rufipes (35/346; 10.1%), Hyalomma marginatum (16/346; 4.6%), Rhipicephalus humeralis (14/346; 4.0%), Amblyomma lepidum (2/346; 0.6%), Amblyomma gemma (1/346; 0.3%), and Ornithodoros sp. (1/185; 0.5). This is the first study on the molecular screening for hemoplasmas in dromedary camels from Somalia and the first report of A. lepidum and R. humeralis in Somali dromedary camels.

Molecular identification and morphological variations of Amblyomma lepidum imported to Egypt, with notes about its potential distribution under climate change

The tick Amblyomma lepidum is an ectoparasite of veterinary importance due to its role in transmitting livestock diseases in Africa, including heartwater. This study was conducted in 2023 to monitor Amblyomma spp. infestation in dromedary camels imported from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan to Egypt. This study inspected 200 camels at the Giza governorate’s camel market that had been imported from Somalia, 200 from Ethiopia, and 200 from Sudan for tick infestation. Specimens were identified using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the 12S and 16S rRNA genes. Clusters were calculated using an unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) dendrogram to group the specimens according to their morphometric characteristics. The morphometric analysis compared the body shape of ticks collected from different countries by analyzing dorsal features. Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA) were performed to obtain body shape variation among specimens from different countries. Results indicated that camels were infested by 57 males Amblyomma lepidum, and no female specimens were observed; among these specimens, one may have a morphological abnormality. The results suggest that A. lepidum specimens collected from camels imported to Egypt from African countries exhibit locally adapted morphology with variations among specimens, particularly variations in body size. This adaptation suggests minimal potential for genetic divergence. Ecological niche modeling was used to predict the areas in Africa with suitable climates for A. lepidum. The study confirmed that East African countries might have the most favorable climatic conditions for A. lepidum to thrive. Interestingly, the amount of rain during the wettest quarter (Bio16) had the strongest influence on the tick’s potential distribution, with suitability decreasing sharply as rainfall increased. Future predictions indicate that the climatic habitat suitability for A. lepidum will decrease under changing climate conditions. However, historical, current, and future predictions indicate no suitable climatic habitats for A. lepidum in Egypt. These findings demand continuous surveillance of A. lepidum in camel populations and the development of targeted strategies to manage tick infestations and prevent the spread of heartwater disease.

Participatory and Conventional Investigation of Tick Infestation in Camels and Cattle of Somali Pastoral Areas, Eastern Ethiopia.

Ticks are a common parasite that affect many animals by causing slowed growth, reduced milk output, and financial losses for industries that depend on animal hides and skins. From June to December 2017, participatory and conventional investigations on tick infestation in camels and cattle were conducted in Kebribayah and Afdem districts of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and density of ticks in these animals and establish strategic control measures to enhance livestock productivity and livelihoods in pastoral areas. The current study found that the prevalence of tick infestation in Kebribayah and Afdem districts was 83.3% and 86.8%, respectively. Rhipicephalus pulchellus (48.9%) was identified as the most common tick species in camels and cattle, followed by Amblyomma gemma (26.3%), Hyalomma truncatum (11.6%), Amblyomma lepidum (6.7%), and Amblyomma variegatum (6.5%). Among the variables considered, age and body condition score were significant risk factors (p < 0.001). Tick density varied depending on the recorded months and seasons (p < 0.001), with the highest mean tick density occurring in November (32.69 ± 21.750) and during the wet season (28.56 ± 19.750). Livestock owners in Kebribayah and Afdem ranked topical acaricide application as the most effective tick control method, followed by ivermectin injections, with the traditional hand removal method being the least effective. These rankings were consistent across both districts, and there was moderate agreement among livestock keepers from both regions regarding the best method. Afdem livestock keepers had slightly weak agreement on high tick burden in spring (W = 0.475, p = 0.127), and Kebribayah livestock keepers showed slightly strong agreement in tick burden across seasons (W = 0.700, p = 0.038), with spring having a significantly higher burden than winter. Consequently, participatory appraisal indicated that ticks were important and prevalent ectoparasites in the study area. Finally, strategic tick control appropriate for specific management and production environments should be implemented biannually in wet seasons.

Distribution and molecular identification of ixodid ticks infesting cattle in Kilombero and Iringa Districts, Tanzania

BackgroundHard ticks infesting cattle are vectors of Tick-borne diseases that causes major public health problems and considerable socioeconomic losses to the livestock industry in tropical and subtropical countries. A repeated cross-sectional study was carried out by collecting ticks on cattle during the wet and dry seasons from January to August 2021 in order to determine hard tick prevalence, distribution, and abundance on cattle in Kilombero and Iringa Districts of Tanzania. The collected ticks were identified morphologically using published morphological keys under a stereomicroscope and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing.ResultsOut of 740 examined cattle, 304, (41.08%) were infested with ticks. In total, 1,780 ticks were counted on one side of the animal’s body and doubled, whereby resulting in a total of 3,560 ticks were recorded. Individual tick burden ranged from n = 2 to 82 ticks per animal, with a mean tick burden of n = 11.7 ± 0.68 per animal. A total of 1,889 ticks were collected from infected cattle including 109 additional ticks observed while collecting ticks based on the animal’s posture when restrained to the ground. Out of 1,889 ticks, nine species from three genera were identified morphologically: 1,377 fit in the genus Rhipicephalus, 459 to the genus of Amblyomma, and 53 to the genus Hyalomma. Rhipicephalus microplus was the most prevalent (n = 909, 48.1%), followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi (n = 310, 16.4%), Amblyomma lepidum (n = 310, 16.4%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (n = 140, 7.4%), Amblyomma gemma (n = 120, 6.4%), Hyalomma rufipes (n = 50, 2.6%), Amblyomma variegatum (n = 29, 1.5%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (n = 18, 1.0%), while the least common was Hyalomma albiparmatum (n = 3, 0.2%). Tick diversity was higher in Iringa compared to Kilombero District. Tick prevalence was higher in wet season (n = 148, 41.11%). Ticks were widely distributed in different parts of the host body, with the highest distribution on zone 4 (n = 1,060, 56.11%), which includes groin, flank, abdomen, and around inner thigh of the hind legs and the lowest distribution on zone 2 (n = 14, 0.74%), which includes the back surface of the body. Both Amblyomma lepidum and Rhipicephalus microplus species were found in all the five body zones, and with the highest proportions recorded on zone 4: A. lepidum (n = 209, 67.42%) and R. microplus (n = 714, 78.55%). The nine tick species identified morphologically were also confirmed using molecular methods. However, during sequencing, two species (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and R. decoloratus) had poor quality sequences and were excluded from the sequence analysis. Sequencing results indicated high nucleotide identity (96–100%) with sequences available in GenBank and Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). The phylogenetic analysis of partial mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences of ticks were used to confirm the morphological identification.ConclusionThe results showed a high burden of tick infestation on cattle, which could reduce animal production and potentially increase the risk of tick-borne diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the epidemiological and molecular aspects of various tick species in other regions of Tanzania.

Molecular screening of Amblyomma species (Acari: Ixodidae) imported from African countries to Egypt, with the first report of Amblyomma latum from the ball python, Python regius (Squamata: Pythonidae)

Amblyomma species are non-endemic ticks in Egypt, which have been recorded from imported animals. This study was carried out in 2022 to monitor Amblyomma spp. from dromedary camels, cattle, and snakes in Egypt. During this study, 400 camels, 200 cattle, and two snakes (Pythonidae) were inspected for tick infestation. Collected specimens were identified based on morphological characters and confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the 12S rRNA gene. Camels were infested by adult specimens of Amblyomma variegatum and Amblyomma lepidum, but no Amblyomma spp. were collected from cattle. Amblyomma variegatum showed high genetic similarity to other A. variegatum from Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé (> 99.99%), and A. lepidum showed high genetic similarity to other A. lepidum from Israel and Sudan (99.99%). Amblyomma latum is recorded in Egypt from the ball python snake for the first time and showed high genetic similarity with South African A. latum (99.87%).

Prevalence of cattle ixodid ticks and acaricides efficacy evaluation in Amibara district of Afar Region, Ethiopia.

A cross sectional and randomized controlled trial study was conducted starting from July 2021 to July 2022 to determine the prevalence of ixodid ticks, and evaluate the efficacy of commonly used acaricides (amitraz 12.5% and diazinon 60%) in vitro and in vivo on cattle ticks in Amibara district. A total of 372 cattle were visited randomly from six kebeles of the district which were selected based on their livestock population. A total of 4330 adult ticks were collected and identified to the species level with stereomicroscope. For the invitro acaricide efficacy test, 90 engorged female ticks were collected from infested herds and grouped into three, each group having ten engorged ticks; two groups for the two test acaricides and the third groups were control to evaluate these acaricides in the laboratory. All the groups were replicated three times and incubated for seven days with similar temperature and humidity. Thirty-six infested cattle were selected and again grouped into three randomly, 12 each for the invivo test. The first groups of animals were sprayed with amitraz, the second with diazinon and the third groups were left untreated. Ticks were counted and recorded before, day 3, day 7, day 14 and day 21 of spraying. A total of 360 (96.7%) of the visited cattle were infested with ticks. Amblyomma. Rhipicephallus, Hyalomma and Bophillus were the genera of ticks identified with a prevalence of 44.9%, 41.4%, 7.5% and 6.2% respectively. A total of 15 species of ixodid ticks were identified from which Rhipicephallus pulchellus (39.86%) was dominant followed by Amblyomma lepidum (26.65%) and Amblyomma gemma (14.36%). Diazinon 60% EC and amitraz 12.5% were significantly inhibited the egg laying ability of engorged ticks' in vitro with percent inhibition of 100% and 99.1% respectively. On live animal, both acaricides showed statistically significant difference from the control group (p- value <0.05) with maximum 97.37% (amitraz) and 93.33% (diazinon) at day 7 and minimum 73.3% (amitraz) and 73.7% (diazinon) efficacy. However, there was no statistically significant difference on egg laying inhibition and tick count reduction between the two acaricides (p-value >0.05). Therefore, awareness should be created about the high prevalence as well as the application, dosage and dilution of the acaricides to pastoralists, community animal health workers and para veterinarians in the study area. Cattle owners, veterinarians and concerned government officials should address infested herds with manufacturer recommended dosage of these acaricides to control the tick infestation.

Prevalence, Species Identification, and Associated Risk Factor Ixodid Tick Infestation of Cattle in Selamago District Southern Ethiopia.

Ticks are blood-sucking external parasites of livestock and humans; and can transmit pathogens beyond their direct effect during biting. Ticks are distributed in different agro-ecological zones. The study's objectives were to determine the species of ixodid ticks, estimate prevalence, and link the presumptive risk variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023 in Selamago district, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 384 cattle managed under extensive grazing systems were selected proportionally based on cattle population, from 3 kebeles, which is the lowest administrative structure of government, and individual animals were selected using systematic random sampling techniques at an interval of 5 animals; as the results, 153, 128, and 103 cattle were selected from Hana, Marsiyo, and Geyo kebeles, respectively. 262 animals (68.2%) were found to be infested with one or more tick species. In this study, there was a statistically significant difference in prevalence between sexes and age groups (P < .05). A higher prevalence was recorded in female and adult cattle than respective group. A total of 579 ticks were collected; 4 genera and 7 tick species were identified. As a result, Ambylomma variegatum, Amblyomma gemma, Amblyomma lepidum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, and Hyalomma truncatum were observed. Among the species identified in the study area, Ambylomma variegatum was the most abundant tick (32.3%) and Hy. truncatum was the least prevalent (4.3%). Ticks on animals' body were recovered more dominantly around the perineum region, udder, scrotum, and dewlap, followed by the belly, head, and neck. Male ticks were more frequently encountered than females. The finding shows a high tick infestation, and adult age groups were more affected and had a serious problem. Hence, prompt control measures are required to rescue the livelihood of the community and economic loss.

Prevalence and Species Identification of Ixodid Ticks of Small Ruminants in Benadir Region, Somalia.

Ixodid ticks are one of the major health constraints on small ruminant productivity and contribute to significant economic losses in Somalia. An across-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 through December 2020 to identify hard tick species and determine the prevalence of tick infestation in small ruminants in the Benadir region, Somalia. Ticks were identified at the genera and species level by using morphological identification keys under a stereomicroscope. During the study period, a total of 384 small ruminants were examined for the presence of ticks through purposive sampling. All visible individual adult ticks were collected from the bodies of 230 goats and 154 sheep. A total of 651 Ixodid adult ticks were collected, of which 393 were male and 258 were female. The overall prevalence of tick infestation in the study area was 66.15% (254/384). The prevalence of tick infestation in goats and sheep was found to be 76.1% (175/230) and 51.3% (79/154), respectively. In the present study, nine species of hard ticks, which were grouped into three genera, were identified. The most abundant species found in this study were Rhipichephalus pulchellus (64.97%), Rhipichephalus everstieversti (8.45%), Rhipichephalus pravus (5.53%), Rhipichephalus lunulatus (5.38%), Amblyomma lepidum (5.22%), Amblyomma gemma (3.38%), and Hyalomma truncatum (2.62%) according to predominance. Rhipichephalus bursa (2.46%) and Rhipichephalus turanicus (1.99%) were the minor species observed in both species in the study area. The difference in the prevalence of tick infestation was found to be a statistically significant variation (p < 0.05) between species groups but not sex groups. In all cases, male ticks dominated female ticks. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that ticks were the most prevalent ectoparasites of small ruminants in the study areas. Therefore, the increasing threat of ticks and tick-borne pathogens of small ruminants warrants the urgent strategic application of acaricides and the creation of awareness among livestock owners to prevent and control tick infestations of sheep and goats in the study area.

Hemoplasmas and ticks in cattle from Somalia

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are small Gram-negative bacteria that parasitize red blood cells and can cause mild to severe anemia in a wide range of vertebrates, including ruminants. Cattle population in Somalia is around 3.9 million heads, with animals more concentrated around the river areas, mainly in the Juba River and Shabelle River Valleys. Information on hemoplasmas in Sub-Saharan Africa are scarce, mainly in Somalia, where no studies have been performed to date. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the molecular occurrence of hemoplasmas in 131 cattle blood samples from Somalia. Thirty out of 131 (22.90%; 95% CI: 16.54-30.81%) cattle were infested by ticks: Rhipicephalus pulchellus (68.18%), Amblyomma gemma (18.18%), Amblyomma lepidum (9.09%), Hyalomma marginatum (1.51%), Hyalmomma rufipes (1.51%), and Rhipicephalus pravus (1.51%). A total of 74/131 (56.48%; 95% CI: 47.93-64.67%) cattle were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. by real-time PCR (qPCR) based on the 16S rRNA gene. Hemoplasma-positive samples were later subjected to species-specific PCR assays for Mycoplasma wenyonii and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haematobovis’ based on the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 34/74 (45.94%; 95% CI: 35.07-57.22%) animals were coinfected by both species; 31/74 (41.89%; 95% CI: 31.32-53.26%) and 3/74 (4.05%; 95% CI: 01.39-11.25%) cattle were solely positive to M. wenyonii and ‘Ca. M. haematobovis’, respectively. Six out of 74 (8.1%; 95% CI: 03.77-16.58%) cattle were negative on species-specific conventional PCR assays but tested positive by a semi-nested PCR assay based on the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas. Sequencing of the detected hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. 16S rRNA gene confirmed that animals were infected by M. wenyonii and ‘Ca. M. haematobovis’. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the detection of hemoplasmas in cattle from Somalia.

Epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens of cattle and tick control practices among mixed farming and pastoral communities in Gairo and Monduli districts, Tanzania.

Tick-borne diseases including East Coast fever, anaplasmosis and babesiosis constitute a major constraint to improving livestock production worldwide, including Tanzania. Determination of the prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of pathogens in cattle is important for informed decision making on the control and prevention of these diseases. However, little is known about the epidemiology of these pathogens in cattle in some regions of Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis and Theileria parva in cattle, determine the risk factors associated with infection with these pathogens and also to assess tick control practices in Gairo and Monduli districts of Tanzania. Out of the 520 cattle sampled, the majority (82.9%) were infested with ticks of different species, predominated by Rhipicephalus decoloratus (42.7%), Amblyomma variegatum (31.3%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (23.1%) and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (17.7%). Other ticks that were found on cattle included Rhipicephalus microplus (15.8%), Amblyomma gema (13.8%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (12.9%), Amblyomma lepidum (8.1%), Hyalomma truncatum (2.9%) and Hyalomma albiparmatum (2.1%). On microscopy 23 (4.4%) of 520 cattle were positive for hemoparasites. Of the 23 positive cattle, 13 (2.5%), 6 (1.2%) and 3 (0.6%) were monolithically infected with A. marginale, T. parva, and B. bovis respectively, while one (0.2% %) had co-infections of T. parva and A. marginale. The number of positive cattle increased to 184 (35.4%), when they were subjected to detection with PCR. This included the 23 samples that were positive on microscopy. Based on PCR, the overall prevalence of the pathogens from the two districts was 11.5%, 11.2%, 6.2% and 2.5% for B. bigemina, A. marginale, T. parva and B. bovis, respectively. Hemoparasite co-infection occurred in 6.9% of the cattle examined. The prevalence of co-infections was 2.7%, 4%, and 0.02% for T. parva/A. marginale, B. bigemina/A. marginale and B. bigemina/A. marginale/T. parva, respectively. Cattle with co-infections had significantly lower (p<0.005) mean packed cell volume as compared to cattle with mono-infections. The majority (96%) of cattle examined were subjected to different methods of tick control. A number of risk factors were shown to be associated with the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens in cattle. Higher prevalence of A. marginale may be due to its wide range of biological and mechanical transmission. These findings could be used to strengthen future control programs for ticks and tick-borne diseases in the study areas.

Amblyomma lepidum

This datasheet on Amblyomma lepidum covers Identity, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected.

Prevalence, Distribution, and Molecular Record of Four Hard Ticks from Livestock in the United Arab Emirates.

Simple SummaryTicks, as blood feeders and vectors of many diseases, can negatively impact livestock and human health, with potential economic impacts on the livestock industry. In this study, we documented the occurrence of four tick species (Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Amblyomma lepidum) on camels, cows, sheep, and goats from three areas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our findings indicated that H. dromedarii was the most prevalent tick species on camels. The other tick species were present at varying levels on hosts. Some of the tick species collected in this study are potential carriers of tick-borne diseases that are serious and sometimes fatal to humans and animals. Thus, there is a need for more research on ticks and tick-borne diseases in the UAE.Ticks are important arthropod vectors that serve as reservoirs of pathogens. Rapid urbanization and changes in animal breeding practices could be causing a rise in tick burden on animals. Studies on tick distribution on livestock and tick molecular diversity from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are limited. The aim of this study was to (i) provide molecular and morphological identification of tick species, (ii) compare tick infestation between different hosts, (iii) compare tick infestation in relation to the sex of the host, and (iv) assess the prevalence of tick species on hosts. A total of 5950 ticks were collected from camels (4803 ticks), cows (651 ticks), goats (219 ticks), and sheep (277 ticks). Ticks were identified based on morphological characters at the species level using taxonomic keys. In addition, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes was used to identify ticks. Four species were confirmed based on molecular and morphological characterization, namely, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Amblyomma lepidum. Hyalomma dromedarii (94.3%) was the most abundant species, followed by H. anatolicum (32.8%). Camels were heavily infested (94%) with ticks as compared to cows (38%), sheep (37%), and goats (14%). Widespread occurrence of these four tick species in the UAE poses a risk of spreading tick-borne pathogens wherever the conditions of infection prevail.

Molecular detection and characterisation of protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in ticks from cattle in the pastoral area of Karamoja, Uganda

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) significantly affect cattle production and the livelihoods of communities in pastoralist areas. Data on protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in ticks infesting cattle in Uganda is scanty; while it is an indicator of the likelihood of disease transmission and occurrence. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst cattle in the Karamoja Region, northeastern Uganda, from July through September 2017, to determine the tick species diversity, identify protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in the ticks, and characterise pathogenic species by sequence and phylogenetic analyses. About 50 % of the ticks detected from each predilection site on each animal were collected from 100 purposively-selected cattle from 20 randomly-selected herds. Twelve tick species belonging to the genera Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma were identified, the most abundant being Amblyomma lepidum (93.9 %), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (2.0 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (1.0 %). Tick species that have not been reported in recent studies amongst cattle in Uganda were found, namely Rhipicephalus pravus, Rhipicephalus praetextatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. The ticks were grouped into 40 pools, by species and location, and the reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation assay was used to detect pathogens from the ticks. The most frequently detected tick-borne parasites were Theileria mutans, Theileria velifera and Theileria parva, each observed in 25 % (10/40) of the tick pools. Tick-borne pathogens, namely Babesia rossi, Babesia microti and Theileria sp. (sable) that are not common to, or not known to infect, cattle were identified from ticks. The gene encoding Ehrlichia ruminantium pCS20 region, the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene, and T. parva p67 sporozoite antigen gene were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Seven novel E. ruminantium pCS20 variants were identified, and these grouped into two separate clusters with sequences from other parts of Africa and Asia. The T. parva p67 sequences were of the allele type 1, and parasites possessing this allele type are commonly associated with East Coast fever in eastern Africa. Analysis of the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that they were closely related to Rickettsia africae and to a new Ehrlichia species variant recently found in China. Our R. africae 16S rRNA sequences grouped with R. africae isolates from Nigeria, Egypt and Benin. The information on tick species diversity and pathogens in the various tick species provides an indicator of potential transmission amongst cattle populations, and to humans, and can be useful to estimate disease risk and in control strategies.

The First Investigation of Tick Vectors and Tick-Borne Diseases in Extensively Managed Cattle in Alle District, Southwestern Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2019 to February 2020 with the objective of identifying ixodid ticks and haemoparasites, in extensively managed livestock, in Alle district, Southwestern Ethiopia. The study area is assumed to be free from ticks, and there had been no diagnostic and treatment options for tick-borne diseases. Among 384 heads of cattle examined for tick infestation and haemoparasites, 139 (36.19%) were infested with one or more tick species and 25 (6.51%) were haemoparasitised. Two genera of ticks, Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus formerly (Boophilus), and four species (Amblyomma variegatum, Amblyomma lepidum, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Rhipicephalus annulatus) were identified. The haemoparasite identified was Babesia bovis. Among the risk factors, body condition score and season of the year were found to be significantly associated with tick infestation with x2 = 9.919, p > 0.05 and x2 = 6.216, p > 0.05, respectively, at 95% CI. Tick infestation was found to be significantly associated with haemoparasitemia with x2 = 22.2 and p > 0.05, at 95% CI. The finding of the current study is an alarm ring, as the veterinary service had been not considering any haemoparasitemia in the potential list of differential diagnosis and no treatment inputs have been availed for that purpose. Thus, it is recommended that the veterinary service delivery system in the area should take haemoparasites diagnosis and avail treatment alternatives, particularly tick-borne diseases. Furthermore, there should be a strategical approach in controlling tick-borne diseases in the area before the tick-borne diseases get prevalent and where the control after high prevalence could not be easy in extensive livestock management.

Tick Fauna and Associated Rickettsia, Theileria, and Babesia spp. in Domestic Animals in Sudan (North Kordofan and Kassala States).

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) have a major economic impact on animal production worldwide. In the present study, 2410 ticks were collected from January to August 2017 from livestock and other domestic animals in North Kordofan and Kassala, Sudan, for species identification and investigation of Rickettsia spp. and piroplasms, either individually or as pools containing up to 10 ticks by molecular methods. In total, 13 tick species were identified by morphology and 16S rDNA sequencing. The most frequent tick species were Hyalomma impeltatum (24.90%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (18.84%), Amblyomma lepidum (16.06%), and Rhipicephalus camicasi (12.49%). A pan-Rickettsia real-time PCR revealed an overall minimum infection rate (MIR) with Rickettsia spp. of 5.64% (136 positive tick pools/2410 total ticks). Rickettsia africae and Rickettsia aeschlimannii were the most frequently identified species by sequencing. Furthermore, the following highly pathogenic livestock parasites were detected: Theileria annulata, Theileria lestoquardi, Theileria equi, and Babesia caballi. The present study documented Rhipicephalus afranicus as well as Rickettsia conorii israelensis, Rickettsia massiliae, and Babesia pecorum for the first time in Sudan. These findings are significant for the animal production sector as well as in terms of One Health, as the detected Rickettsia spp. can cause serious illness in humans.

Morphological and molecular identification of ixodid tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting cattle in Uganda

In Uganda, the role of ticks in zoonotic disease transmission is not well described, partly, due to limited available information on tick diversity. This study aimed to identify the tick species that infest cattle. Between September and November 2017, ticks (n = 4362) were collected from 5 districts across Uganda (Kasese, Hoima, Gulu, Soroti, and Moroto) and identified morphologically at Uganda Virus Research Institute. Morphological and genetic validation was performed in Germany on representative identified specimens and on all unidentified ticks. Ticks were belonging to 15 species: 8 Rhipicephalus species (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus decoloratus, Rhipicephalus afranicus, Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Rhipicephalus simus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus tropical lineage); 5 Amblyomma species (Amblyomma lepidum, Amblyomma variegatum, Amblyomma cohaerens, Amblyomma gemma, and Amblyomma paulopunctatum); and 2 Hyalomma species (Hyalomma rufipes and Hyalomma truncatum). The most common species were R. appendiculatus (51.8%), A. lepidum (21.0%), A. variegatum (14.3%), R. evertsi evertsi (8.2%), and R. decoloratus (2.4%). R. afranicus is a new species recently described in South Africa and we report its presence in Uganda for the first time. The sequences of R. afranicus were 2.4% divergent from those obtained in Southern Africa. We confirm the presence of the invasive R. microplus in two districts (Soroti and Gulu). Species diversity was highest in Moroto district (p = 0.004) and geographical predominance by specific ticks was observed (p = 0.001). The study expands the knowledge on tick fauna in Uganda and demonstrates that multiple tick species with potential to transmit several tick-borne diseases including zoonotic pathogens are infesting cattle.

Prevalence of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and Theileria annulata infection of cattle in Gezira State, Sudan

This study was conducted in Gezira State, central Sudan during January, May and August 2014 to determine species of ticks infesting cattle and prevalence of Theileria annulata infection and antibodies. A total of 200 head of cattle were sampled for ticks, blood smears, lymph node biopsy smears and sera from five study areas. Zebu (Butana and Kenana) and cross-bred (Zebu X Friesian) cattle of both sexes were sampled. Cattle age groups were younger than one year, one year to younger than four years and four years and older. Coat colour of cattle was recorded. The results revealed that cattle were infested with Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (n = 562, 51.6%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 289, 26.5%), H. rufipes (n = 70, 6.4%), R. sanguineus sanguineus (n = 59, 5.4%), R. decoloratus (n = 39, 3.6%), Amblyomma lepidum (n = 35, 3.2%), H. impeltatum (n = 26, 2.4%) and H. dromedarii (n = 9, 0.8%). Out of 200 blood and biopsy smears, 33 (16.5%) showed piroplasms for Theileria spp., while 29 (14.5%) were positive for Theileria spp. schizonts. Seropositivity for T. annulata using indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test was 94 (47%). It is concluded that there are three genera of hard ticks and eight species in Gezira State and tropical theileriosis is endemic in the state. These findings are the first records in Gezira State, Central Sudan and it is highly recommended to consider the endemicity of tropical theileriosis particularly in cattle upgrading programmes.

General and Local Morphological Anomalies in Amblyomma lepidum (Acari: Ixodidae) and Rhipicephalus decoloratus Infesting Cattle in Uganda.

Morphological abnormalities in ticks seem to be rare phenomena in nature, and are underreported in Africa. In this article, we describe general and local anomalies in two Amblyomma lepidum females and one Rhipicephalus decoloratus female collected from cattle in Moroto and Kasese districts, Uganda. One A. lepidum specimen displayed metagynander gynandromorphism with the presence of both male and female features in the same organism. The second A. lepidum female showed slight asymmetry and lacked a genital aperture. The R. decoloratus displayed multiple anomalies that included asymmetry on the right side in association with ectromely, chitinous formations and constrictions on the left side. This article presents the first report of metagynander gynandromorphism, as well as genital aperture absence which is not linked to gynandromorphism, in A. lepidum collected from cattle.

Molecular, serological and parasitological survey of Theileria annulata in North Kordofan State, Sudan.

This survey was conducted to detect Theileria annulata infection in indigenous (Zebu) and cross (indigenous × Friesian) cattle (n 604) of different sex & age groups, and to investigate prevalence of ticks infesting cattle in North Kordofan State, Sudan. Ticks, blood smears, serum samples and blood spots on filter paper were collected from four municipalities at four monthly intervals during the period from August 2008 to July 2009. Out of 604 blood smears, 69 (11.4%, 95% CI: 16.9-5.9) were positive for Theileria piroplasms; whereas, out of 240 serum samples, 164 (68.3%, 95% CI: 89.3-47.3) were positive for antibodies against T. annulata using IFA test. Using PCR, out of 100 blood spots on filter paper, 8 (8%, 95% CI: 9.6-6.4) revealed T. annulata DNA. The highest prevalence of Theileria spp. piroplasms and T. annulata antibodies was recorded in August (15.9 ± 4.6) followed by February (13.3 ± 3.8) and the lowest was in May (3.9 ± 1.0). Among cattle breeds, the highest prevalence of piroplasms (11.9 ± 5.0) and T. annulata antibodies (68.9 ± 10) was among zebu cattle. PCR assays revealed the highest prevalence rate of T. annulata DNA in February (12.5 ± 1.4) followed by August (6.1 ± 0.7) and the lowest was in May (5.7 ± 0.7). According to cattle breeds, T. annulata DNA was detected in cross-bred cattle (3.3 ± 0.4) more than zebu cattle (10 ± 1.6). Seven tick species belonging to four genera and were identified, Amblyomma lepidum, Hyalomma dromedarii, H. impeltatum, H. rufipes, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Rhipicephalus decoloratus, R. annulatus. The most abundant tick species was H. rufipes followed by H. impeltatum, R. e. evertsi, H. dromedarii, R. decoloratus, A. lepidum and R. annulatus. Theileria annulata has been detected for the first time in North Kordofan State, though at a low prevalence rate. This finding is an alarming situation since tropical theileriosis is an emerging disease and it is widely believed that this economically important tick-borne parasite does not exist in this state. The possible alternative vector(s) of T. annulata in the absence of the known vector H. anatolicum is discussed.

English

The objective of this study was to evaluate total tick burden and resistance differences of local indigenous breeds and Holstein-crosses (50%). Longitudinal study method was employed to assess the mean monthly half-body regions of total tick burdens. The mean monthly half body regions of total tick count on local indigenous cattle and Holstein-crosses (50%) were 75.2 and 201.7, respectively. The monthly mean half-body region of total tick count on the Holstein-crosses (50%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the indigenous breed throughout the study months. From 4425 collected adult ticks, Boophilus decoloratus (47.50%), Amblyomma gemma (21.06%), Amblyomma variegatum (18.31%), Amblyomma cohaerens (4.97%), Amblyomma lepidum (3.75%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (2.87%), Rhipicephalus muhsamae (0.79%) and Rhipicephalus guilhoni (0.75%) were the tick species identified in descending order. Among the tick species identified, seasonal variation was observed in four species, namely: A. variegatum, A. gemma, A. lepidum and R. evertsi evertsi. Animal health extension especially on tick control strategy should be in place in order to improve animal productivity. Key words: Burden, Holstein-cross (50%), indigenous, resistance tick, Ethiopia.