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Khogali R, Bastos A, Bargul JL, Getange D, Kabii J, Masiga D, Villinger J. Tissue-specific localization of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from camels in Kenya: insights into vector competence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1382228. [PMID: 38698904 PMCID: PMC11063324 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1382228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne pathogen (TBP) surveillance studies often use whole-tick homogenates when inferring tick-pathogen associations. However, localized TBP infections within tick tissues (saliva, hemolymph, salivary glands, and midgut) can inform pathogen transmission mechanisms and are key to disentangling pathogen detection from vector competence. Methods We screened 278 camel blood samples and 504 tick tissue samples derived from 126 camel ticks sampled in two Kenyan counties (Laikipia and Marsabit) for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, Rickettsia, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR-HRM analysis. Results Candidatus Anaplasma camelii infections were common in camels (91%), but absent in all samples from Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Amblyomma gemma, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma rufipes ticks. We detected Ehrlichia ruminantium in all tissues of the four tick species, but Rickettsia aeschlimannii was only found in Hy. rufipes (all tissues). Rickettsia africae was highest in Am. gemma (62.5%), mainly in the hemolymph (45%) and less frequently in the midgut (27.5%) and lowest in Rh. pulchellus (29.4%), where midgut and hemolymph detection rates were 17.6% and 11.8%, respectively. Similarly, in Hy. dromedarii, R. africae was mainly detected in the midgut (41.7%) but was absent in the hemolymph. Rickettsia africae was not detected in Hy. rufipes. No Coxiella, Theileria, or Babesia spp. were detected in this study. Conclusions The tissue-specific localization of R. africae, found mainly in the hemolymph of Am. gemma, is congruent with the role of this tick species as its transmission vector. Thus, occurrence of TBPs in the hemolymph could serve as a predictor of vector competence of TBP transmission, especially in comparison to detection rates in the midgut, from which they must cross tissue barriers to effectively replicate and disseminate across tick tissues. Further studies should focus on exploring the distribution of TBPs within tick tissues to enhance knowledge of TBP epidemiology and to distinguish competent vectors from dead-end hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rua Khogali
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
| | - Armanda Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James Kabii
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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Zhang B, Zhang N, Zheng T, Lu M, Baoli B, Jie R, Wang X, Li K. Tick-borne bacterial agents in Hyalomma asiaticum ticks from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Northwest China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:167. [PMID: 38566227 PMCID: PMC10985858 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06256-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyalomma ticks are widely distributed in semi-arid zones in Northwest China. They have been reported to harbor a large number of zoonotic pathogens. METHODS In this study, a total of 334 Hyalomma asiaticum ticks infesting domestic animals were collected from four locations in Xinjiang, Northwest China, and the bacterial agents in them were investigated. RESULTS A putative novel Borrelia species was identified in ticks from all four locations, with an overall positive rate of 6.59%. Rickettsia sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae, a human pathogen frequently reported in Europe, was detected for the second time in China. Two Ehrlichia species (Ehrlichia minasensis and Ehrlichia sp.) were identified. Furthermore, two Anaplasma species were characterized in this study: Candidatus Anaplasma camelii and Anaplasma sp. closely related to Candidatus Anaplasma boleense. It is the first report of Candidatus Anaplasma camelii in China. CONCLUSIONS Six bacterial agents were reported in this study, many of which are possible or validated pathogens for humans and animals. The presence of these bacterial agents may suggest a potential risk for One Health in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Institute of Medical Sciences of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Niuniu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Institute of Medical Sciences of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tao Zheng
- Xinjiang 474 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group CO.LTD, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Miao Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Bierk Baoli
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Mulei Kazak Autonomous County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Runda Jie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Institute of Medical Sciences of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Xinjiang 474 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group CO.LTD, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Kun Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China.
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El-Alfy ES, Abbas I, Saleh S, Elseadawy R, Fereig RM, Rizk MA, Xuan X. Tick-borne pathogens in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence in dromedaries. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102268. [PMID: 37769585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Published data on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in camels worldwide have been collected to provide an overview of the global prevalence and species diversity of camelid TBPs. Several TBPs have been detected in dromedary camels, raising concerns regarding their role as natural or maintenance hosts for tick-borne pathogens. Insubstantial evidence exists regarding the natural infection of camels with Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. Based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a pooled prevalence of 35.3% (95% CI: 22.6-48.1%) was estimated for Anaplasma, which was the most frequently tested TBP in dromedaries, and DNA of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma platys, and A. platys-like were isolated, of which ruminants and dogs are reservoirs. Similarly, the estimated pooled prevalence for the two piroplasmid genera; Babesia and Theileria was approximately equal (10-12%) regardless of the detection method (microscopy or PCR testing). Nevertheless, Babesia caballi, Theileria equi, and Theileria annulata DNA have frequently been detected in camels but they have not yet been proven to be natural hosts. Scarce data detected Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) DNA in blood of dromedaries, although ticks of the genus Ixodes are distributed in limited areas where dromedaries are raised. Interestingly, a pooled seroprevalence of 47.7% (26.3-69.2%) was estimated for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and viral RNA was detected in dromedary blood; however, their contribution to maintain the viral transmission cycles requires further experimental investigation. The substantially low incidence and scarcity of data on Rickettsia and Ehrlichia species could imply that camels were accidentally infected. In contrast, camels may play a role in the spread of Coxiella burnetii, which is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of aerosols emitted by diseased animals and contaminated environments. Bactrian camels showed no symptoms due to the examined TBPs, meanwhile, clinical disease was seen in alpacas infected with A. phagocytophilum. Similar to dromedaries, accidental tick bites may be the cause of TBP DNA found in the blood of Bactrian camels.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abbas
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Somaya Saleh
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Rana Elseadawy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ragab M Fereig
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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Kiplagat S, Villinger J, Kigen CK, Kidambasi KO, Muema JM, Mwangi SM, Wangari M, Matoke-Muhia D, Masiga DK, Bargul JL. Discovery of the vector of visceral leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus ( Artemievus) alexandri Sinton, 1928, in Kenya suggests complex transmission dynamics. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2023; 4:100134. [PMID: 37593661 PMCID: PMC10428034 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis are endemic to specific regions due to the ecological preferences of phlebotomine sand flies and Leishmania spp. transmission. Sand fly entomological data in northern Kenya are scarce due to limited studies and neglect of leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to investigate: (i) sand fly diversity and distribution; (ii) occurrence of Leishmania DNA within sand flies; and (iii) blood-meal sources of sand flies in Laisamis, northern Kenya. We conducted an entomological survey during February and March of 2021 in five areas of Laisamis sub-county using standard CDC light traps. A total of 1009 sand flies (394 male and 615 female) were morphologically identified, and representative samples verified by PCR amplification and sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Similarly, we identified blood-meal sources and Leishmania DNA in female sand flies by PCR amplicon sequencing of the vertebrate cytochrome b (cyt b) gene and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the 28S rRNA gene, respectively. Sergentomyia clydei (59.8%) was the most abundant sand fly species. Though collected mainly from one locality (Tirgamo), 14.8% of samples belonged to Phlebotomus (Artemievus) alexandri Sinton, 1928. We detected DNA of Leishmania major in 5.19% of Ph. alexandri, whereas Leishmania adleri DNA was detected in S. clydei (7.51%), Sergentomyia squamipleuris (8.00%), and Sergentomyia africanus (8.33%). Nine of 13 blood-fed sand flies had obtained blood from humans, of which 33.3% had L. major DNA. Both Ph. alexandri and S. clydei primarily fed on humans and could potentially be involved in the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of sand fly vector populations and their potential to transmit leishmaniasis in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Kiplagat
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Collins K. Kigen
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Kevin O. Kidambasi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jackson M. Muema
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Stephie M. Mwangi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Maureen Wangari
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Damaris Matoke-Muhia
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel K. Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
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Mwale R, Mulavu M, Khumalo CS, Mukubesa A, Nalubamba K, Mubemba B, Changula K, Simulundu E, Chitanga S, Namangala B, Mataa L, Zulu VC, Munyeme M, Muleya W. Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma spp. in cattle and sable antelope from Lusaka and North-Western provinces of Zambia. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 39:100847. [PMID: 36878632 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsiales of the genus Anaplasma are globally distributed tick-borne pathogens of animals and humans with complex epidemiological cycles. Anaplasmosis is an important livestock disease in Zambia but its epidemiological information is inadequate. This study aimed to detect and characterize the species of Anaplasma present in domestic and wild ruminants in Zambia with a focus on the infection risk posed by the translocation of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) from North-Western Province to Lusaka Province. Archived DNA samples (n = 100) extracted from whole blood (sable n = 47, cattle n = 53) were screened for Anaplasmataceae using 16S rRNA partial gene amplification followed by species confirmation using phylogenetic analysis. Out of the 100 samples, Anaplasma species were detected in 7% (4/57) of the cattle and 24% (10/43) of the sable antelope samples. Of the 14 positive samples, five were determined to be A. marginale (four from cattle and one from sable), seven were A. ovis (sable) and two were A. platys (sable). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA partial gene sequences revealed genetic proximity between A. ovis and A. marginale, regardless of host. The detection of Anaplasma in wildlife in Zambia shows the risk of transmission of Anaplasma species associated with wildlife translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhodasi Mwale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Malala Mulavu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Cynthia Sipho Khumalo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Andrew Mukubesa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - King Nalubamba
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Benjamin Mubemba
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, P.O Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia; Macha Research Trust, P.O. Box 630166, Choma, Zambia
| | - Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; Department of Preclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Namibia; School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering & Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Boniface Namangala
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Liywali Mataa
- Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 50060, Zambia
| | - Victor Chisha Zulu
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Musso Munyeme
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
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Bargul JL, Mkwashapi DM, Namagembe I, Nakityo I, Nakimuli A, Byamugisha J, Semakula D, Seeley J, Sewankambo NK. Case studies from the experience of early career researchers in East Africa in building community engagement in research. AAS Open Res 2022; 5:13. [PMID: 38323169 PMCID: PMC10541536 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13349.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: In this paper, we explain how three early career researchers actively engaged community members in their health research projects in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and what was learnt from the experience. The research project in Kenya was on camel trypanosomiasis and the role of camel biting keds (or louse flies) in disease transmission. The project in Tanzania looked at the effect of human immunodeficiency virus and antiretroviral therapy on fertility and ascertained the trends in the use of family planning services amongst women of reproductive age. The focus of the project in Uganda was the implementation of maternal death surveillance and the response policy to determine the cause of maternal deaths and how they might be prevented. Methods: In the three different settings, efforts to ensure local community engagement provided a focus for the researchers to hone their skills in explaining research concepts and working in partnership with community members to co-develop ideas, their research methods and outputs. Results: Involvement of communities in scientific research, which entailed a two-way mutual engagement process, led to (i) generation of new research ideas that shaped the work, (ii) strengthened mutual trust, and (iii) promoted uptake of research findings. Conclusion: Our key findings strongly support the need for considering community engagement as one of the key components in research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel L. Bargul
- Animal Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
- THRiVE, c/o School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Denna M. Mkwashapi
- THRiVE, c/o School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
- National Institutes for Medical Research, Mwanza, P.O. Box 1462, Tanzania
| | - Imelda Namagembe
- THRiVE, c/o School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
- Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital (MSWNH), Kampala, P.O Box 7272, Uganda
| | - Immaculate Nakityo
- THRiVE, c/o School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Annettee Nakimuli
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Daniel Semakula
- THRiVE, c/o School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Janet Seeley
- THRiVE, c/o School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Nelson K. Sewankambo
- THRiVE, c/o School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
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Mwaki DM, Kidambasi KO, Kinyua J, Ogila K, Kigen C, Getange D, Villinger J, Masiga DK, Carrington M, Bargul JL. Molecular detection of novel Anaplasma sp . and zoonotic hemopathogens in livestock and their hematophagous biting keds (genus Hippobosca) from Laisamis, northern Kenya. OPEN RESEARCH AFRICA 2022; 5:23. [PMID: 37396343 PMCID: PMC10314185 DOI: 10.12688/openresafrica.13404.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Livestock are key sources of livelihood among pastoral communities. Livestock productivity is chiefly constrained by pests and diseases. Due to inadequate disease surveillance in northern Kenya, little is known about pathogens circulating within livestock and the role of livestock-associated biting keds (genus Hippobosca) in disease transmission. We aimed to identify the prevalence of selected hemopathogens in livestock and their associated blood-feeding keds. Methods: We randomly collected 389 blood samples from goats (245), sheep (108), and donkeys (36), as well as 235 keds from both goats and sheep (116), donkeys (11), and dogs (108) in Laisamis, Marsabit County, northern Kenya. We screened all samples for selected hemopathogens by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing of PCR products amplified using primers specific to the genera: Anaplasma, Trypanosoma, Clostridium, Ehrlichia, Brucella, Theileria, and Babesia. Results: In goats, we detected Anaplasma ovis (84.5%), a novel Anaplasma sp. (11.8%), Trypanosoma vivax (7.3%), Ehrlichia canis (66.1%), and Theileria ovis (0.8%). We also detected A. ovis (93.5%), E. canis (22.2%), and T. ovis (38.9%) in sheep. In donkeys, we detected ' Candidatus Anaplasma camelii' (11.1%), T. vivax (22.2%), E. canis (25%), and Theileria equi (13.9%). In addition, keds carried the following pathogens; goat/sheep keds - T. vivax (29.3%) , Trypanosoma evansi (0.86%), Trypanosoma godfreyi (0.86%), and E. canis (51.7%); donkey keds - T. vivax (18.2%) and E. canis (63.6%); and dog keds - T. vivax (15.7%), T. evansi (0.9%), Trypanosoma simiae (0.9%) , E. canis (76%), Clostridium perfringens (46.3%), Bartonella schoenbuchensis (76%), and Brucella abortus (5.6%). Conclusions: We found that livestock and their associated ectoparasitic biting keds carry a number of infectious hemopathogens, including the zoonotic B. abortus. Dog keds harbored the most pathogens, suggesting dogs, which closely interact with livestock and humans, as key reservoirs of diseases in Laisamis. These findings can guide policy makers in disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Mwaki
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
- Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Kevin O. Kidambasi
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Johnson Kinyua
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ogila
- Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Collins Kigen
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Daniel K. Masiga
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- Animal Health Department/Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, P.O. BOX 62000-00200, Kenya
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Bargul JL, Mkwashapi DM, Namagembe I, Nakityo I, Nakimuli A, Byamugisha J, Semakula D, Seeley J, Sewankambo NK. Building community and public engagement in research – the experience of early career researchers in East Africa. AAS Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13349.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In this paper, we explain how three early career researchers actively engaged community members in health research in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in their research projects, and what was learnt from the experience. The research project in Kenya was on camel trypanosomiasis and the role of camel biting keds (or louse flies) in disease transmission. The project in Tanzania looked at the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and antiretroviral therapy on fertility and ascertained the trends in the use of family planning services amongst women of reproductive age. The focus of the project in Uganda was the implementation of maternal death surveillance and the response policy to determine the cause of maternal deaths and how they might be prevented. Methods: In the three different settings, efforts to ensure local community engagement provided a focus for the researchers to hone their skills in explaining research concepts and working in partnership with community members to co-develop ideas, their research methods and outputs. Results: Involvement of communities in scientific research, which entailed a two-way mutual engagement process, led to (i) generation of new research ideas that shaped the work, (ii) strengthened mutual trust, and (iii) promoted uptake of research findings. Conclusions: Our key findings strongly support the need for considering community engagement as one of the key components in research studies.
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