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Molecular Detection of Ricketssia africae and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii in Cattle Ticks from Cameroon Mbafor, Fidelia Lem; Osei-Mensah, Jubin; Kwarteng, Sandra Abankwa; Addo, Seth Ofei; Manchang Tanyi Kingsley; Michael E. DeWitt; Patrick Kwasi Obuam; Ewurabena Oduma Duker; Jessica Dufie Boakye; Gayheart Deladem Agbotse; Folitse, Raphael Deladem; Achille Paguem; Emikpe, Benjamin Obukowho
Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Journal Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025): Vol. 7 No. 1 2025
Publisher : Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.VetBioClinJ.2025.007.01.4

Abstract

Ticks spread pathogens that affect both human and animal health and often cause significant economic losses to the livestock industry. However, there is limited data on the distribution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, particularly those affecting cattle in Cameroon. In this study, ticks were collected from cattle in Buea, the capital of the South West Region of Cameroon, to determine their diversity and identify tick-borne pathogens through PCR and sequencing. The tick samples were screened for pathogens using assays that target the rOmpA gene (ompA) of Rickettsia, the ssrRNA gene of Babesia and Theileria and the Ehrlichia genus 16SrRNA gene. A total of 458 ticks were collected with Rhipicephalus annulatus (65.6%) as the predominant species. From 68 tick pools screened, 26 (38.2%) were positive for pathogen/ symbiont DNA. The pathogen identified was Rickettsia africae (22.1%). This study reports the first molecular detection of the symbiont Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii (22.1%) in the sampled tick species. It was observed that male ticks were significantly more likely to test positive for R. africae (OR = 208, 95% CI = 28.6 - 4553, p<0.001). Animal handlers may face the risk of these zoonotic infections and as such, there is a need to employ protective measures to prevent or reduce pathogen spread.
Detection of Avian Influenza Virus H5 and H9 Subtypes in Rural Live Bird Markets at High-Risk Border Areas in Ghana: Implications for Integrated Surveillance Mensah, Fiona Nana Yaa; Emikpe , Benjamin Obukowho; Folitse, Raphael Deladem; Odoom, Theophilus; Tweneboah, Albert Agyapong; Sarpong, Kofi
Media Kedokteran Hewan Vol. 37 No. 2 (2026): Media Kedokteran Hewan
Publisher : Universitas Airlangga

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20473/mkh.v37i2.2026.155-168

Abstract

The frequency of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in Ghana and neighbouring countries require the detection of avian influenza virus subtypes H5 and H9 in local poultry at live bird markets (LBMs) in border areas. Using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we analyzed 770 samples from local chickens, guinea fowl, and ducks across four border live bird markets. Samples were screened for influenza A virus (Ct<35). Prevalence by sample type, location, and species was calculated at 95% confidence. Of the 770 samples, the prevalence of influenza A was 6.4% (CI: 4.7–8.3). Tracheal swabs showed a higher prevalence (8.8%; CI: 6.2–12.1) than cloacal swabs (3.9%; CI: 2.2–6.3). Similarly, Southern Ghana showed a higher prevalence (11.2%; CI: 7.4, 16.0) than in Northern Ghana (4.4%; CI: 2.8, 6.5) (p<0.05). Further subtyping of the M-gene-positive samples confirmed the circulation of H5 [4.4% (CI: 2.6, 7.0)] and H9 [2.9% (CI: 1.4, 5.1)] in all four live bird markets from the two locations. This study highlights the need for transboundary surveillance of H5 and H9 viruses, improved biosecurity, and policy interventions in border live bird markets to reduce the maintenance and transmission of AIVs in Ghana.