Molecular detection of Rickettsia sp. in ticks from wildlife animals living in six provinces of South Africa
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| Year of publication | 2021 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | In total, 854 ticks of different species from six provinces of South Africa were screened for the presence of Rickettsia sp. by a single PCR assay targeting the gltA gene using the primers CS 78 and CS 323. The DNA of Rickettsia sp. was detected in 144 samples (17 %) with 18% in females, 13% in males, 26 % in nymphs (26%) and 18% in larvae. The highest prevalence of Rickettsia sp. was in Free state Province (50%) and in ticks collected in spring (22%) and autumn (19%). Positive samples will be sent for sequencing for accurate identification. The results of this study bring new knowledge about the prevalence of this pathogen in ticks in six provinces of South Africa and may be the basis for more extensive research in South Africa. |
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