Screening and phylogenetic characterization of tick-borne pathogens in a population of dogs and associated ticks in Egypt

Vector-borne pathogens in dogs and in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto ticks in Morocco

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are of major concern in veterinary medicine worldwide. Amongst the arthropods transmitting CVBD-causing pathogens, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) is an important vector of agents, such as Babesia vogeli, Cercopithifilaria spp., Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, and Anaplasma platys. While data on CVBDs transmitted by Rh. sanguineus s.l. are limited in Morocco, Leishmania spp., transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, are known to be endemic in several regions of the country. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) (i.e., Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Rickettsia spp.), Leishmania spp. and filarioids in shelter dogs and their ticks in central Morocco. Blood samples were collected from 144 dogs, and 5,363 ticks were removed from 314 dogs of the same population. DNA samples extracted from blood and from 276 ticks (divided into 55 pools) were screened for selected pathogens by PCR and DNA sequencing. Ticks were morphologically identified as Rh. sanguineus s.l., and molecular analysis of 10 representative specimens confirmed them as Rh. sanguineus s.s. Out of 144 dogs tested, 78 (54.1 %) scored positive for at least one pathogen, with 15 (10.4 %) being co-infected. H. canis was the most prevalent pathogen (38.2 %, 55/144), followed by L. infantum (15.3 %; 22/144), A. platys (5.6 %; 8/144), B. vogeli and E. canis (2.8 %; 4/144). Tick DNA pools scored positive for H. canis (36.4 %; n = 20/55). All dogs tested negative for filarioids and Rickettsia spp. Data herein reported demonstrate a high overall prevalence of CVBD-causing pathogens in dogs from central Morocco, with the unprecedented report of H. canis in dogs and ticks in this country.

Comparative toxicity of three variant oils and their nanoemulsions on the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Tick control mainly depends on using chemical acaricides that have led to the emergence of resistant tick populations along with environmental hazards. Natural alternatives including essential oils are now widely used to avoid the undesirable effects of chemicals on human, animals and environment. In this study, three commercial oils (myrrh, patchouli, and cypress) and their nanoemulsions (NEs) were tested against Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato unfed adults. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the nanoemulsions. Four concentrations with three replicates were used in the bioassay of oils and NEs against ticks using an adult immersion test. Furthermore, a toxicity study of the three oils and their NEs using normal fibroblast cells (BJ-1) was performed. TEM revealed particle size ranges from 29 to 211 nm with spherical droplets. The droplet size and polydispersity index were (29.30 nm & 0.367), (211.6 nm & 0.221) and (164.2 nm & 0.237) for myrrh NE, patchouli NE, and cypress NE, respectively. Myrrh and patchouli oils recorded high acaricidal activity followed by cypress oil with LC50 value 5 days after treatment of 9.01, 12.40, and 15.21%, respectively. The acaricidal efficacy of oil was potentiated in the NEs form which was proved by the reduction in LC50 values that were recorded 7 days after treatment 4.17, 8.57, and 5.04%, for myrrh, patchouli, and cypress NE, respectively. As an alternative for lab animals, we applied the cytotoxicity of myrrh, patchouli, and cypress on normal fibroblast cells. The oils showed low cytotoxic activity of 10.6, 21.5, and 23.6% for Myrrh, Patchouli, and Cypress, respectively. The nanoemulsion was revealed to be safe for normal cells up to a concentration of 0.62% (cytotoxicity%= 24.4, 34.4, and 16.3%, respectively), and the moderate cytotoxic effect appeared at around a concentration of 1.25% (cytotoxicity%= 42.2%, 57.0%, and 36.8% respectively). In conclusion, the three oils and their NEs have good acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus sanguineus unfed adults. Further toxicity studies on mammals are needed to ensure the safe use of these formulations for the control of ticks on infested animals.

A review of Hepatozoonosis caused by Hepatozoon canis in dogs

Hepatozoon canis is a type of single-celled organism is spread by ticks and commonly affects dogs. It is responsible for causing one of the most significant parasitic diseases in dogs, called Hepatozoonosis. It is considered one of the most common causes of canine vector-borne diseases because it is closely linked to Rhipicephalus sanguineus (the brown dog tick), a species found worldwide. Hepatozoonosis caused by H. canis is prevalent in regions such as South Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. H. canis often causes emaciation, anemia, and intermittent fever in infected dogs. The drugs used to treat H. canis infection in dogs include the combination of imidocarb dipropionate with doxycycline, toltrazoril, tetracycline hydrochloride, and the combination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.The primary solution to prevent the spread of infections caused by H. canis is to control the population of R. sanguineus ticks because H. canis is spread through ticks. This review aims to provide a brief overview of various studies conducted on the morphology, life cycle, hosts, epidemiology, clinical symptoms, laboratory diagnosis, autopsy findings, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods of H. canis.

Occurrence and molecular prevalence of Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsiaceae and Coxiellaceae in African wildlife: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) constitute an emerging threat to public and animal health especially in the African continent, where land-use change, and wildlife loss are creating new opportunities for disease transmission. A review of TBPs with a focus on ticks determined the epidemiology of Rhipicephalus ticks in heartwater and the affinity of each Rickettsia species for different tick genera. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to collect, map and estimate the molecular prevalence of Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsiaceae and Coxiellaceae in African wildlife.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant scientific articles were retrieved from five databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Ovid and OAIster. Publications were selected according to pre-determined exclusion criteria and evaluated for risk of bias using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS). We conducted an initial descriptive analysis followed by a meta-analysis to estimate the molecular prevalence of each pathogen. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression models were employed to unravel associations with disease determinants. Finally, the quality of evidence of every estimate was finally assessed.

RESULTS

Out of 577 retrieved papers, a total of 41 papers were included in the qualitative analysis and 27 in the meta-analysis. We retrieved 21 Anaplasmataceae species, six Rickettsiaceae species and Coxiella burnetii. Meta-analysis was performed for a total of 11 target pathogens. Anaplasma marginale, Ehrlichia ruminantium and Anaplasma centrale were the most prevalent in African bovids (13.9 %, CI: 0-52.4 %; 20.9 %, CI: 4.1-46.2 %; 13.9 %, CI: 0-68.7 %, respectively). Estimated TBPs prevalences were further stratified per animal order, family, species and sampling country.

DISCUSSION

We discussed the presence of a sylvatic cycle for A. marginale and E. ruminantium in wild African bovids, the need to investigate A. phagocytophilum in African rodents and non-human primates as well as E. canis in the tissues of wild carnivores, and a lack of data and characterization of Rickettsia species and C. burnetii.

CONCLUSION

Given the lack of epidemiological data on wildlife diseases, the current work can serve as a starting point for future epidemiological and/or experimental studies.

Molecular detection of tick-borne piroplasmids in camel blood samples collected from Cairo and Giza governorates, Egypt

Piroplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting livestock, including camels, is caused by intracellular apicomplexan parasites belonging to the order Piroplasmida. Despite its importance, there's limited research on piroplasmosis among Egyptian camels. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating tick-borne piroplasmids in camels from Cairo and Giza Governorates. Out of 181 blood samples collected between October 2021 and March 2022 from apparently healthy one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius), PCR assays revealed a 41.4 % infection rate with various piroplasmids. Detected species included B. bovis (17.7 %), B. bigemina (12.2 %), B. caballi (8.3 %), B. naoakii (11.6 %), B. microti (1.7 %), T. equi (4.4 %), and Theileria spp. (28.7 %). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the first detection of T. equi genotype E in Egypt and identified a novel B. caballi genotype. Additionally, B. microti isolates were identified as the US-type. These findings shed lights on piroplasmosis among Egyptian camels, and provide valuable information for devising effective control strategies, especially B. microti, a pathogen with potential human health risks.

Molecular, epidemiological, and hematological evaluation in Ehrlichia canis infected dogs from an endemic region in Egypt

Background

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is considered a multisystemic, life-threatening, rickettsial, and tick-borne disease that affects canine species and is caused by Ehrlichia canis (E. canis). Clinical signs of CME vary from asymptomatic to severe illness with three clinical phases. E. canis has the potential to infect humans.

Aim

This study aimed to provide recent information as there is limited data about the disease in Egypt. Therefore, this work was conducted to study the molecular prevalence of E. canis and evaluate the corresponding risk factors, hematology, biochemistry, and molecular characterization of the genus Ehrlichia and E. canis species among Egyptian dogs.

Methods

One hundred eighty dogs of both sexes from 3 months to 8 years from different breeds: stray and foreign breeds were examined for clinical signs in all seasons in two delta governorates: El-Dakahlia and El-Gharbia. Blood samples were collected from dogs for microscopic and haemato-biochemical analysis, and then molecular characterization of the genus Ehrlichia and species-specific E. canis was performed, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Out of 180 samples examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, 42 (23.33%) were positive for the genus of Ehrlichia and the species-specific E. canis. Only twenty-four dogs (13.33%) were positive for PCR, infested with ticks, and showed fever, anemia, loss of body weight, pale mucous membrane of gum and conjunctiva, blindness, paralysis, hemoglobinuria, and Melena. The univariate logistic regression revealed that all variables, including age, season, tick infestation, hemorrhage from natural orifices, and ectoparasitic treatments per year, showed statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05), except breed and sex, which also did not exhibit any relation between CME infection in multivariate logistic regression. The presence of morulae inside leukocytes in 66 dogs out of the total examined 180 (36.67%), only 39 (59.1%) were positive for morulae and PCR-positive for E. canis. Dogs positive for E. canis suffered from anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, the absolute value of WBCs and their fractions, alanine aminotransferas (ALT), AST, ALKP, γ-GT, total. P, T.BIL, urea, globulin, and creatinine were significantly increased in dogs infected with E. canis when compared to those with negative PCR results, while the levels of albumin and A: G ratios were significantly decreased.

Conclusion

The current study proves the existence of E. canis in El-Dakahlia and El-Gharbia governorates, and this is the first large-scale study concerning the epidemiological, clinicopathological examination, molecular characterization, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of reported from the center of the Delta of the Nile in Egypt.

Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma marginale and Babesia canis vogeli infecting dogs in Luxor, Egypt

Tick-borne diseases in animals are increasing rapidly worldwide, but there is insufficient information about tick-borne diseases infecting dogs in southern Egypt. Thus, in the current study, we detected the presence of Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale) and Babesia canis vogeli (B. canis vogeli) in the blood of dogs. The results revealed that 4/100 (4%) were positive, and a higher infection rate was found in males (75%), than females (25%). The phylogenetic analysis for the major surface protein 4 (msp4) gene in this study was compared with amplicons separate from other reported isolates with alignment by identity 100% with cattle and camels from Egypt, and the phylogenetic analysis for the B. canis vogeli small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene in this study identified identity by 99.89% with dogs from Egypt. This report is considered the first report in southern Egypt about A. marginale in dogs based on the sequence analysis of the msp4 gene, providing new data for the classification and identification of A. marginale in dogs compared to A. marginale isolated from other animals in southern Egypt.

Silver and gold nanoparticles as a novel approach to fight Sarcoptic mange in rabbits

Various kinds of pets have been known to contract the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei. Current acaricides are becoming less effective because of the resistance developed by the mite besides their adverse effects on the general activity and reproductive performance of domestic pets. For this reason, the present study aims to discover a novel and safe approach using silver and gold nanoparticles to fight Sarcoptic mange in rabbits as well as to explain their mechanism of action. 15 pet rabbits with clinical signs of Sarcoptic mange that were confirmed by the microscopic examination were used in our study. All rabbits used in this study were assessed positive for the presence of different developing stages of S. scabiei. Three groups of rabbits (n = 5) were used as follows: group (1) didn't receive any treatment, and group (2 and 3) was treated with either AgNPs or GNPs, respectively. Both nanoparticles were applied daily on the affected skin areas via a dressing and injected subcutaneously once a week for 2 weeks at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg bwt. Our results revealed that all rabbits were severely infested and took a mean score = 3. The skin lesions in rabbits that didn't receive any treatments progressed extensively and took a mean score = of 4. On the other hand, all nanoparticle-treated groups displayed marked improvement in the skin lesion and took an average score of 0-1. All NPs treated groups showed remarkable improvement in the microscopic pictures along with mild iNOS, TNF-α, and Cox-2 expression. Both nanoparticles could downregulate the m-RNA levels of IL-6 and IFγ and upregulate IL-10 and TGF-1β genes to promote skin healing. Dressing rabbits with both NPs didn't affect either liver and kidney biomarkers or serum Ig levels indicating their safety. Our residual analysis detected AgNPs in the liver of rabbits but did not detect any residues of GNPs in such organs. We recommend using GNPs as an alternative acaricide to fight rabbit mange.

Seroprevalence of melioidosis and its association with blood profiles and pathogens in sheltered dogs in southern Thailand

Background and Aims

Melioidosis is a notable zoonotic disease in Thailand that can affect both humans and animals. Although dogs are one of the most popular pets worldwide, there is a remarkable lack of information on the prevalence and knowledge of canine melioidosis. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of melioidosis in sheltered dogs and its relationship with the blood profile and blood pathogens.

Materials and Methods

Melioidosis in 156 dogs was analyzed using an indirect hemagglutination assay. Hematology and serum biochemistry tests were performed using an automated system. Blood pathogens (e.g., Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Hepatozoon, and Babesia) were diagnosed using conventional polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The seroprevalence rates of canine melioidosis and blood pathogen infection were 5.77% (9/156) and 50.64% (79/156), respectively. Seropositive dogs generally have higher lymphocyte counts and aspartate aminotransferase levels but lower total white blood cell, neutrophil, and platelet (PLT) counts than seronegative dogs. No statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed between the seropositive and seronegative dogs' hematology and serum biochemistry findings. Neither the correlation between melioidosis and blood pathogen infection nor the association between melioidosis and thrombocytopenia was statistically significant (p > 0.05). Remarkably, dogs that had coinfections with both melioidosis and blood pathogens demonstrated a significantly reduced PLTcount (49,167 ± 7,167) compared with dogs that tested positive for melioidosis but negative for blood pathogens (139,333 ± 29,913) (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In southern Thailand, the prevalence of canine melioidosis was low but the prevalence of blood pathogens was high. Coinfection with blood pathogens can significantly reduce PLT counts, which may have a potentially serious impact. Future research should focus on conducting seroprevalence studies in the general dog population.

Phylogeny and ultrastructure of Elthusa raynaudii (Isopoda, Cymothoidae) firstly recorded from the invasive silver cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) (Gmelin 1789) in eastern Mediterranean Sea coast

With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, many changes have occurred in the Mediterranean Sea ecosystem so became a home to many invasive Lessepsian marine species that have migrated from the Red Sea. About 500 marine species including pufferfish have immigrated and rapidly established a population in the Mediterranean Sea causing significant impact on its ecosystem and fisheries sector. The parasitic fauna of these pufferfish has scarcely been studied in the Mediterranean Sea and also in their native habitat. During this surveillance study on the invasive pufferfish species from the Egyptian Mediterranean coast, the female cymothoid isopod Elthusa raynaudii was detected from the branchial cavity and also in the buccal cavity of 23.9% of the examined Lagocephalus sceleratus. The isolated isopod species was firstly identified and described through electron microscopy and molecular phylogeny based on the sequences of mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Additionally, the description of eggs, embryonic stage, and manca of E. raynaudii was firstly provided. The pathological impact on the infested fish tissues was investigated and revealed curling and loss of secondary gill lamellae in addition to mucous exudates in between the gill filaments and granuloma formation in the gill arch. The study provided the first report of L. sceleratus as a new host for the isopod E. raynaudii collected from the Egyptian Mediterranean coast as a new locality record. The role of the Lessepsian invasive pufferfish in transmitting parasites to the native fish species was discussed.

T Lymphocyte Interferon-gamma Response to Anaplasmataceae-related Major Surface Proteins and Ankyrin A in Fibromyalgia

BACKGROUND

The aetiology of fibromyalgia is unknown; its symptoms may be related to a T-lymphocyte-mediated response to infectious organisms.

OBJECTIVES

First, to test the hypothesis that fibromyalgia is associated with increased interferon (IFN)-γ-secreting T-lymphocytes after stimulation with Anaplasmataceae-related major surface proteins (MSPs) and the macromolecular translocation type IV secretion system effector ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein A (AnkA). Second, to ascertain the relationship in fibromyalgia between (i) the IFN-γ-secreting T-lymphocyte response to stimulation with Anaplasmataceae-related MSPs and AnkA, and (ii) co-infection by Borrelia and Yersinia spp., and antinuclear antibodies.

METHODS

Using a case-control design, patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology revised criteria for fibromyalgia, and controls, underwent the following blinded assessments: (i) enzyme- linked immune absorbent spot (ELISpot) IFN-γ release assay of T-lymphocyte reactivity to Anaplasmataceae-related MSPs and AnkA; (ii) ELISpot IFN-γ release assays of T-lymphocyte reactivity to three Borrelia antigens, namely Borrelia burgdorferi full antigen (B31); peptide mix (from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii); and Borrelia burgdorferi lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1; (iii) immunoglobulin (Ig) A assay by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of antibodies to Yersinia spp.; (iv) IgG (ELISA) antibodies to Yersinia spp.; (v) serum antinuclear antibodies (immunofluorescence).

RESULTS

The groups were age- and sex-matched. The mean (standard error) value of IFN-γ release for the fibromyalgia group was 1.52 (0.26), compared with 1.00 (0.22) for the controls. Generalised linear modelling (p<0.001) of IFN-γ release in the fibromyalgia patients showed significant main effects of all three indices of Borrelia infection and of antinuclear antibodies.

CONCLUSION

Anaplasmataceae may play an aetiological role in fibromyalgia.

Hand palm sparganosis: morphologically and genetically confirmed Spirometra erinaceieuropaei in a fourteen-year-old girl, Egypt

Two spargana of 5 and 7 cm long were removed from the right-hand palm of 14-year-old girl at the General Hospital, Qalyubia, Egypt. Sparganum is the 2nd larval stage (pleurocercoid) of Diphyllobothrid cestode species develops in the vertebrate second intermediate host through ingestion of the crustacean first intermediate host.Dogs and cats are the final hosts get infected through predation of the second vertebrate host.Human attracts infection through drinking water contaminated with the infected crustacean host or consumption of the flesh of of vertebrate hosts such as frogs and reptilian species. The surgically removed specimens were parsitologically identified as a non-proliferative metacestodes of a spirometran species that then on molecular analysis proved to be Spirometra erinaceieuropaei. The present report has allocated Egypt on the world sparganosis map.Molecular characterization of 28 S rRNA of S. erinaceieuropae and correlation to other Spirometra spp. from the Nile countries, particularly Ethiopia and Lake Victoria countries where the Nile waters originate, and from China were dealt with. Drinking of contaminated fresh water is the only proposed mode of infection in Egypt.

Canine Babesiosis Caused by Large Babesia Species: Global Prevalence and Risk Factors-A Review

Canine babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoan pathogens belonging to the genus Babesia. Four species of large Babesia cause canine babesiosis (B. canis, B. rossi, B. vogeli, and the informally named B. coco). Although canine babesiosis has a worldwide distribution, different species occur in specific regions: B. rossi in sub-Saharan Africa, B. canis in Europe and Asia, and B. coco in the Eastern Atlantic United States, while B. vogeli occurs in Africa, southern parts of Europe and Asia, northern Australia, southern regions of North America, and in South America. B. vogeli is the most prevalent large Babesia species globally. This results from its wide range of monotropic vector species, the mild or subclinical nature of infections, and likely the longest evolutionary association with dogs. The most important risk factors for infection by large Babesia spp. include living in rural areas, kennels or animal shelters, or regions endemic for the infection, the season of the year (which is associated with increased tick activity), infestation with ticks, and lack of treatment with acaricides.

Occurrence and genotyping of Theileria equi in dogs and associated ticks in Egypt

Theileriosis is a tick-borne protozoal disease caused by a piroplasm of the genus Theileria. Hard ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites that serve as vectors of Theileria spp. Studies of the presence of theileriosis in Egyptian dogs and associated ticks are scarce. This study was conducted to detect and identify Theileria spp. in dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks and to monitor the epidemiological data of this disease. The prevalence rates of Theileria equi infection were 12.02%, 0.73%, 2.93%, and 1.83% by microscopic examination of dog blood, tick hemolymph, tick midgut, and tick salivary smears, respectively. Conversely, the T. equi prevalence in dog blood and associated ticks assessed by PCR was 25.81% and 10.42%, respectively. Epidemiological data about Theileria infection revealed a significant difference in the infection between different seasons and different dog breeds (p value <0.05), whereas host, sex, and age of dogs had no significant effect on the infection. Sequencing of PCR products showed that all PCR positive samples were infected with T. equi. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) described the different stages of Theileria in the midgut and salivary gland of infected ticks. The current study confirmed that T. equi is not specific to equine hosts, and confirmed that dogs are a susceptible host to T. equi.

Human-biting ticks and zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in North Africa: diversity, distribution, and trans-Mediterranean public health challenges

North Africa is home to more than 200 million people living across five developing economies (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco) and two Spanish exclaves (Ceuta and Melilla), many of whom are impacted by ticks and tick-borne zoonoses. Populations in Europe are also increasingly vulnerable to North African ticks and tick-borne zoonoses due to a combination of climate change and the movement of ticks across the Mediterranean on migratory birds, human travellers, and trafficked wildlife. The human-biting ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in North Africa are reviewed along with their distribution in the region. We also assess present and future challenges associated with ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in North African and highlight opportunities for collaboration and coordination between governments in Europe and North Africa to address public health challenges posed by North African ticks and tick-borne zoonoses.

Distribution and Prevalence of Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsiaceae and Coxiellaceae in African Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In Africa, ticks continue to be a major hindrance to the improvement of the livestock industry due to tick-borne pathogens that include Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia and Coxiella species. A systemic review and meta-analysis were conducted here and highlighted the distribution and prevalence of these tick-borne pathogens in African ticks. Relevant publications were searched in five electronic databases and selected using inclusion/exclusion criteria, resulting in 138 and 78 papers included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis, respectively. Most of the studies focused on Rickettsia africae (38 studies), followed by Ehrlichia ruminantium (27 studies), Coxiella burnetii (20 studies) and Anaplasma marginale (17 studies). A meta-analysis of proportions was performed using the random-effects model. The highest prevalence was obtained for Rickettsia spp. (18.39%; 95% CI: 14.23–22.85%), R. africae (13.47%; 95% CI: 2.76–28.69%), R. conorii (11.28%; 95% CI: 1.77–25.89%), A. marginale (12.75%; 95% CI: 4.06–24.35%), E. ruminantium (6.37%; 95% CI: 3.97–9.16%) and E. canis (4.3%; 95% CI: 0.04–12.66%). The prevalence of C. burnetii was low (0%; 95% CI: 0–0.25%), with higher prevalence for Coxiella spp. (27.02%; 95% CI: 10.83–46.03%) and Coxiella-like endosymbionts (70.47%; 95% CI: 27–99.82%). The effect of the tick genera, tick species, country and other variables were identified and highlighted the epidemiology of Rhipicephalus ticks in the heartwater; affinity of each Rickettsia species for different tick genera; dominant distribution of A. marginale, R. africae and Coxiella-like endosymbionts in ticks and a low distribution of C. burnetii in African hard ticks.

Epidemiological Survey on Tick-Borne Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Dog Populations of Southern Ethiopia

Dogs are known to host several tick-borne pathogens with zoonotic potential; however, scant information is available on the epidemiology of these pathogens in low-income tropical countries and in particular in sub-Saharan Africa. With the aim of investigating a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (i.e., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Erhlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Babesia spp.), 273 blood samples were collected from dogs in selected districts of Ethiopia and analyzed by real-time and/or end-point PCR. The results of the study showed that Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent pathogen (53.8%), followed by Anaplasma phagocythophilum (7.0%), Babesia canis rossi (3.3%), Ehrlichia canis (2.6%) and Anaplasma platys (2.2%). Furthermore, five samples tested positive for Borrelia spp., identified as Borrelia afzelii (n = 3) and Borrelia burgdorferi (n = 2), and two samples for Rickettsia spp., identified as Rickettsia conorii (n = 1) and Rickettsia monacensis (n = 1). The finding of Anaplasma phagocythophilum and different species of the genera Borrelia and Rickettsia with zoonotic potential was unexpected and alarming, and calls for further investigation on the roles of dogs and on the tick, species acting as vector in this specific context. Other pathogens (Hepatozoon canis, Babaesia canis rossi, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis) are already known to have an important impact on the dogs' health but have minor zoonotic potential as they were rarely or never reported in humans. Dogs from rural areas were found to be at higher risk for different pathogens, probably due to the presence of other wild canids in the same environment. The findings of the present study contribute to a better knowledge of the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens, which is relevant to human and animal health.

Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Ticks and Molecular Survey of Anaplasma marginale, with Notes on Their Phylogeny

Hard ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) are medically important ectoparasites that feed on all classes of terrestrial vertebrates. Recently, we molecularly characterized hard ticks and associated Anaplasma spp. in the northern and central regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan; however, this knowledge was missing in the southern regions. This study aimed to investigate tick prevalence, host range, genetic diversity, and molecular survey of Anaplasma spp. in a wide range of tick species in two distinct physiographic regions of southern KP. A total of 1873 hard ticks were randomly collected from 443/837 hosts (cattle, Asian water buffaloes, horses, goats, sheep, dogs, and camels) in Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Orakzai districts of KP. Overall, 12 tick species were morphologically identified, among which Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent species (390/1873, 20.9%), followed by Hy. anatolicum (294, 15.7%), Rhipicephalus microplus (262, 14%), Hy. scupense (207, 11.1%), R. sanguineus (136, 7.3%), R. turanicus (121, 6.5%), Haemaphysalis cornupunctata (107, 5.7%), R. haemaphysaloides (110, 5.9%), Ha. montgomeryi (87, 4.6%), Hy. isaaci (58, 3.1%), Ha. bispinosa (54, 2.9%), and Ha. sulcata (47, 2.5%). The extracted DNA from a subset of each tick species was subjected to PCR to amplify cox1 or 16S rRNA sequences of ticks and 16S rRNA sequences of Anaplasma spp. The tick cox1 sequences showed 99-100% identities with the sequences of the same species, whereas 16S rRNA sequences of R. turanicus, Ha. montgomeryi and Ha. sulcata showed 97-100% identities with the corresponding species. The 16S rRNA sequence of Ha. cornupunctata showed 92% identity with the species from the same subgenus, such as Ha. punctata. The 16S rRNA sequence of Anaplasma spp. showed 100% identity with Anaplasma marginale. Moreover, 54 ticks were found positive for A. marginale with a total infection rate of 17.2%. The highest infection rate was recorded in Hy. dromedarii (31.1%) and the lowest in each R. haemaphysaloides and R. sanguineus (20%). All the cox1 or 16S rRNA sequences in phylogenetic trees clustered with the same species, except Ha. cornupunctata, which clustered with the Ha. (Aboimisalis) punctata. In this study, Ha. cornupunctata was reported for the first time at the molecular level. The genetic characterization of ixodid ticks and molecular detection of associated A. marginale will assist in the epidemiological surveillance of these parasites in the region.