Molecular detection and phylogenetic characterization of Rickettsia in ticks collected from leopard tortoise(Geochelone pardalis)in rural Zambia  

作　　者：Cynthia Sipho Khumalo Malala Mulavu Katendi Changula Benjamin Mubemba Nchimunya Bubala Anne C.Martin Innocent Billy Ng'ombwa King Shimumbo Nalubamba Simbarashe Chitanga Walter Muleya Edgar Simulundu 

机构地区：[1]Department of Biomedical Sciences,School of Veterinary Medicine,University of Zambia,Lusaka,Zambia [2]Department of Biomedical Sciences,School of Health Sciences,University of Zambia,Lusaka,Zambia [3]Paraclinical Sciences Department,School of Veterinary Medicine,University of Zambia,Lusaka,Zambia [4]Department of Wildlife Sciences,School of Natural Resources,Copperbelt University,Kitwe,Zambia [5]Macha Research Trust,Choma,Zambia [6]Department of Epidemiology,Bloomberg School of Public Health,Johns Hopkins University,Baltimore,MD 21205,USA [7]Department of National Parks and Wildlife,Wildlife Veterinary Unit,Chilanga,Zambia [8]Clinical Studies Department,School of Veterinary Medicine,University of Zambia,Lusaka,Zambia [9]Department of Preclinical Studies,School of Veterinary Medicine,University of Namibia,Windhoek,Namibia [10]School of Life Sciences,College of Agriculture,Engineering and Sciences,University of KwaZulu-Natal,Durban,South Africa [11]Department of Disease Control,School of Veterinary Medicine,University of Zambia,Zambia

出　　处：《Science in One Health》2024年第1期181-188,共8页全健康科学（英文）

摘　　要：In sub-Saharan Africa,limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises.Here,we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks(Amblyomma marmoreum)collected from the leopard tortoise(Geochelone pardalis)in rural Zambia.Using polymerase chain reaction,56%(49/87)of ticks were positive for the Rickettsia outer membrane protein(ompB)gene.Multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on the ompB,ompA,and citrate synthase(gltA)genes showed that the ticks carried R.africae,and other Rickettsia spp.closely related to R.raoultii,R.massiliae,R.tamurae and R.monacensis.Given the proximity between humans,livestock,and wildlife in these habitats,there exists a considerable risk of transmission of zoonotic Rickettsia to human populations in this rural setting.These results call for heightened awareness and further research into the dynamics of tick-borne diseases in regions where humans and animals coexist,particularly in the context of tortoise-associated ticks as vectors.Understanding and addressing these potential disease vectors is crucial for effective public health measures and the prevention of Rickettsia zoonoses.

关 键 词：RICKETTSIA Leopard tortoise Phylogenetic analysis Amblyomma marmoreum Zambia 

分 类 号：R37[医药卫生—病原生物学]